She opened the door in answer to Elsie’s gentle rap.
“Oh, I’m so glad it’s you!” she said. “Come in, won’t you?”
“Am I not intruding?” asked Elsie.
“No, no, dear child!” replied Mildred, “Annis and I were just wishing for your company.”
“Oh, I am glad you wanted me,” said the little girl, taking a low chair by Mildred’s side. “I should have come sooner, but I’ve been with papa, learning such a nice lesson!” and opening her check-book she went on to tell all about it, for she felt sure he would not object to having Mildred hear it as well as Annis.
Both seemed much interested, and said they thought it a very nice lesson indeed, Annis adding, “And very delightful to have so much money where you can get it whenever you want it.”
“Yes,” Elsie said, “but I don’t believe papa meant that I could ever take any of it out without asking his permission. And I always have to keep an account to show him what I have done with every cent he has given me to spend.”
“That must be a great deal of trouble!” Annis remarked, with a slight shrug of her shoulders.
“But an excellent lesson too,” Mildred said, smiling into Elsie’s bright, happy face.
“Yes, cousin; papa always knows and does the very best thing for me,” the little girl responded, with a look of perfect content.