“Yes; I don’t think there will be any danger, or I should be very sure not to risk my child in the venture,” he returned, smiling with fatherly affection into the fair young face.
“No doubt about that,” said Rose. “But, Elsie, are Annis and your papa to be the only persons to enjoy the privilege of driving out with you in the new phaeton?”
“O mamma, would you be willing to try it?” Elsie asked with eager delight. “I’ll drive you out to-day when my lessons are done, if papa gives permission and you will go. May I, papa?”
“You may do anything your mamma wishes you to do.”
“Unless,” said Rose, “I should unwittingly ask her to do something her father has forbidden.”
“Oh, of course! that might happen. In any conflict of authority undoubtedly mine must stand against all other, since even you have promised to submit to it, lady mine,” Mr. Dinsmore returned in jesting tone, and with a fond, lover-like look into the sweet face of his wife.
Elsie glanced wonderingly from one to the other.
“Did you really, mamma?”
“Yes; didn’t you hear me?” said Rose, laughing and blushing.
“But don’t you do exactly as you please?”