They were all at the table. But it made no difference. Ellen went straight to Mr. Lindsay, and laying one hand timidly in his, and the other on his shoulder, she at once humbly and frankly confessed that she had spoken as she ought not the day before, and that she was very sorry she had displeased him, and begged his forgiveness. It was instantly granted.
"You are a good child, Ellen," said Mr. Lindsay as he fondly embraced her.
"Oh no, Sir! don't call me so; I am everything in the world but that."
"Then all the rest of the world are good children. Why didn't you come to me before?"
"Because I couldn't, Sir; I felt wrong all day yesterday."
Mr. Lindsay laughed, and kissed her, and bade her sit down and eat her breakfast.
It was about a month after this that he made her a present of a beautiful little watch. Ellen's first look was of great delight; the second was one of curious doubtful expression, directed to his face, half tendering the watch back to him, as she saw that he understood her.
"Why," said he, smiling, "do you mean to say you would rather have that than this?"
"A great deal."
"No," said he, hanging the watch round her neck, "you shall not have it; but you may make your mind easy, for I have it safe, and it shall come back to you again some time or other."