“Yes, papa,” she said, with fast falling tears. “I know Jesus has forgiven me, but it breaks my heart to think I could so dishonor him! He says, ‘If ye love me keep my commandments,’ and I have failed to-day, and yet I do love him! I’m sure I do! and you too, dear papa. Can you believe it after I have disobeyed you so?” she asked, with her arm about his neck, her eyes, dim with tears, gazing beseechingly into his.
“My darling, precious child, I haven’t a doubt of it!” he said, folding her close to his heart. Then laying her in her bed, he kissed her good-night and left her to her slumbers.
Mr. Dinsmore always kept his little daughter’s secrets even from Rose. He thought it quite unnecessary to tell of any trouble between himself and his child, and if Rose occasionally perceived that something was wrong between them, she made no remark and asked no question, noticed it in no way except by redoubling her kindness to both.
She had made the same observation that Mr. Travilla had that evening, and drawn pretty nearly the same conclusion. Her husband had been displeased with his little girl, but there had been a reconciliation, and the child would soon recover her wonted cheerfulness and gayety.
Elsie did seem very much like her usual self the next morning, and when her lessons were done joined her mamma in the parlor, bringing some needlework with her.
Adelaide had concluded her visit to the Oaks, and she and her brother had left a few moments before to drive over to Roselands.
So Rose and Elsie were alone together for a little while; but presently Mr. Travilla joined them. He and Rose fell into desultory chat, to which Elsie was an interested listener. The talk turned at length upon engravings, and Rose spoke of a small, but very fine one, lately bought by her husband, which Mr. Travilla had not yet seen.
“I want you to look at it,” Rose said. “Elsie dear,” turning to her little step-daughter, “will you run to your papa’s study and bring me his portfolio? I think it is in that.”
Elsie’s face crimsoned, and she seemed greatly confused and embarrassed. “Mamma, I—I—please don’t ask me to,” she stammered, then burst into tears.
Rose was greatly surprised. “What is it, dear?” she asked, with tender concern.