So New Year’s day passed very quietly at the Oaks, yet very pleasantly too. Elsie received some handsome presents from her papa, Rose, Adelaide, and Mr. Travilla. She enjoyed that, and also presenting the gifts she had prepared for them.
Her father rode out with her shortly after breakfast, and on their return they found Mr. Travilla in the drawing-room making his New Year’s call. There were several other gentlemen doing the same, and indeed there was quite a stream of callers all the morning.
Refreshments were offered to all—cake, candies, fruits, lemonade, and hot coffee—all of the finest—but no wine or other intoxicating beverage.
Elsie was allowed a little cake, a little candy, and as much fruit and lemonade as she wished. She was well content with these, and the pleasure of listening to the talk and watching the callers come and go.
Mr. Travilla devoted himself a part of the time to her entertainment, and that was something she always enjoyed greatly.
“Are you going to the party to-night?” he asked.
Elsie shook her head. “Papa thinks I could not bear the fatigue without injury to my health, so it wouldn’t be right for me to go. But he left it to my own conscience, he said, and let me decide for myself.”
“Did he, indeed?” Mr. Travilla seemed both surprised and pleased. “Well,” he said, “I think you were very right and wise to decide as you did.”
Elsie thought it very kind in her father to let her decide for herself, and also to promise not to leave her until she was in bed for the night; and, in the fulness of her gratitude, offered to go to bed an hour earlier than usual.
“Dear child!” Rose exclaimed, “that would be asking quite too much of you; and we really don’t care to be among the first arrivals.”