“I have so far.”
“That’s because she’s wise and good enough always to please to do right,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
“Oh, yes, sir!”
For the next five minutes Elsie ate in silence, apparently lost in thought.
Her father watched her with an amused face. “Well, daughter,” he said at length, “a penny for your thoughts.”
“I was only thinking, papa, that I hope I’ll never have to get married,” she said, with a slight sigh.
“Of course you will never be compelled to,” he replied, with difficulty restraining a laugh, “but what is your objection?”
“I mean if I should have to promise to obey; because I couldn’t obey two people, if they didn’t always agree, and I shall always have to obey you.”
“Well, my child, you need not so much as have a thought about that question for ten years to come,” he answered with gravity. “It is a subject a little girl like you should never think of at all.”
“Then I’ll try not to any more, papa. But, mamma, you haven’t said whether you will drive out with me to-day or not?”