There was an hour of pleasant social intercourse in the parlor, after leaving the supper-room, then the travellers bade good-night to their host and hostess, pleading fatigue as an excuse for retiring so early.
“Don’t stay in your cousin’s room talking, but let her get to bed and to sleep at once,” Mr. Dinsmore said to Elsie, as the little girls were about to leave the room.
“Yes, papa,” Elsie answered; then going to his side and speaking in an undertone, “Mayn’t I come back to you for a little while? you know it is not my bedtime yet.”
“Yes, if you choose.”
“You know, papa, I always do like to sit here a little while just the last thing before going to my room for the night,” she said a few minutes later as she took possession of his knee.
“Not better than I like to have you do so,” he answered, putting his arm about her. “Whatever should I do without my little pet daughter?”
Rose, sitting on the opposite side of the fire, with her babe in her arms, regarded them with loving, admiring eyes.
“What are the plans for to-morrow’s enjoyment with Annis, little girlie?” she asked, with real motherly interest.
“I think we’ll drive about a good deal, mamma. Papa says we may; just as much as we please.”
“Always supposing you will remember to have mercy on the ponies,” he added, playfully.