 Chapter 7 of Elsie Dinsmore This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sarah Guterres Elsie Dinsmore By Martha Finley Chapter 7 The smallest worm will turn being trodden on Shakespeare, Richard III. A blossom full of promise is life's joy that never comes to fruit, hope for a time, suns the young flower and is glad some light. And it looks flourishing a little while. Tis past, we know not wither, but tis gone, this landen. It was Miss Day's custom to present to the parents of her pupils a monthly report of their conduct and recitations. The regular time for this had occurred once since Mr. Horace Dinsmore's return, when she of course handed Elsie's to him. It was very satisfactory, for Elsie was a most diligent scholar, carrying her religious principles into that as well as everything else, and disposed as Miss Day was to find fault with her, she could seldom see any excuse for so doing in either her conduct or recitations. Mr. Dinsmore glanced over the report and handed it back, saying, It is all very good, very satisfactory indeed. I am glad to see that she is industrious and well behaved, for I wish her to grow up an intelligent and amiable woman. Elsie, who was standing near, heard the words, and they sent a glow of pleasure to her cheeks. She looked up eagerly, but her father turned and walked away without taking any notice of her, and the glow of happiness faded, and the soft eyes filled with tears of wounded feeling. It was now time for a second report, but alas, the past month had been a most unfortunate one for the little girl. The weather was very warm, and she had felt languid and weak, and so much were her thoughts occupied with the longing desire to gain her father's love, so depressed were her spirits by her constant failure to do so, that she often found it impossible to give her mind to her lessons. Arthur, too, during much of the time before and since the week of his imprisonment, had been more than usually annoying, shaking her chair and jogging her elbows so frequently when she was writing, that her copy book presented by no means so good an appearance as usual, and never had Miss Day made out so poor a report for her. She carried it with much secret satisfaction to the little girl's father, and entered a long complaint of the child's idleness and inattention. Send her to me, he said angrily. She will find me in my own room. Miss Day had left Elsie in the school room, putting her desk in order after the day's work, and she found her still there on her return. Elsie, said she, with a malicious smile, your father wishes to see you immediately. He is in his room. The child turned red in pale by turn, and trembled so violently that for a moment she was quite unable to move, for she guessed from Miss Day's countenance what was probably in store for her. I advise you to go at once, said that lady, for no doubt the longer you wait, the worse it will be for you. At the same moment, Mr. Dinsmore's voice was heard calling in a stern, angry tone. Elsie! Making a violent effort to control her feelings, she started up and hastened to obey. The door of his room stood open, and she walked in, asking in a trembling voice, Did you call me Papa? Yes, said he. I did. Come here to me. He was sitting with the copy book and report in his hand, and there was much severity in both tone and look as he addressed her. She obeyed instantly, but trembling violently, and with a face pale as death and eyes filled with tears, she lifted them pleadingly to his face, and touched by her evident terror and distress, he said in a tone somewhat less stern. Can you tell me, Elsie, how it happens that your teacher brings me so bad a report of your conduct and lessons during the past month? She says you have been very idle, and the report tells the same story, and this copy book presents a shameful appearance. The child answered only by tears and sobs. They seemed to irritate him. Elsie, he said sternly, when I ask a question, I require an answer, and that instantly. Oh, Papa, she answered pleadingly. I couldn't study. I'm very sorry. I'll try to do better. Only, don't be very angry with me, dear Papa. I am angry with you, very angry indeed, said he in the same severe tone, and very strongly inclined to punish you. You couldn't study, eh? What reason can you assign, pray? Are you not well? I don't know, sir, sobbed the little girl. You don't know. Very well, then, I think you could not be very ill without knowing it, and so you seem to have no excuse at all to offer. However, I will not inflict any impunishment upon you this time, as you seem to be really sorry, and have promised to do better. But beware how you let me see such a report as this, or hear such complaints of idleness again, unless you wish to be severely punished. And I warn you that unless your next copy book presents a better appearance than this, I certainly shall punish you. There are a number of pages here that look quite well he continued turning over the leaves. That shows what you can do if you choose. Now there is an old saying, a bird that can sing and won't sing, must be made to sing. Hush, as Elsie seemed about to speak. Not a word, you may go now. And throwing himself back in his easy chair, he took up a newspaper and began to read. Yet Elsie lingered, her heart so yearned, for one word or look of sympathy and love. She so longed to throw herself into his arms and tell him how dearly, how very dearly she loved him. She did so hunger and thirst for one fond caress. Ah, how could she go away without it now, when for the very first time she found herself alone with him in his own room, where she had never ventured before, but where she had often been in her brightest dreams. And so she lingered, trembling, hoping, fearing, but presently he looked up with a cold. Why do you stand there? I gave you permission to go, go at once. And with a sinking heart she turned away, and sought the solitude of her own room, there to weep and mourn and pray, that she might one day possess the love she so pined for, and bitterly to reproach herself for having, by the failures of the past month, put it farther from her. And soon a thought came to her which added greatly to her distress. If Arthur continued his persecutions, how could she make the next copy book more presentable? And in case it were not, her father had said positively that he would punish her. And oh, how could she bear punishment from him, when a word or look of displeasure almost broke her heart? Miss Day seldom remained in the school room during the whole of the writing hour, and sometimes the older girls were also absent, so that Arthur had ample opportunity to indulge his mischievous propensities, for else he was above the meanness of telling tales. And had she not been, Arthur was so great a favorite with his mother that she would have brought a great deal of trouble upon herself by so doing. She therefore saw no escape from the dreaded punishment, unless she could persuade the perverse boy to cease his annoyances, and of that there was little hope. But she carried her trouble to her heavenly father and asked him to help her. She was still on her knees, pouring on her sobs and prayers when someone knocked at the door. She rose and opened it standing there. Elsie, she said, I'm writing to Miss Rose, have you any word to send? You may write a little note if you choose, and I will enclose it in my letter. But what is the matter, child? She suddenly exclaimed, kindly taking the little girl's hand in hers. With many tears and sobs, Elsie told her the whole story, not omitting her papa's threat, and her fear that she could not, on account of Arthur's persecutions, avoid incurring the punishment. Adelheid's sympathies were enlisted, and she drew the sobbing child to her side, saying as she pressed a kiss on her cheek. Never mind, Elsie. I'll take my book or needlework to the schoolroom every day, and sit there during the writing hour. But why don't you tell your papa about it? Because I don't like to tell tales and Adelheid, and it would make your mama so angry with me, and besides, I can't tell papa anything. Ah, I understand, and no wonder. Strangely stern to the poor child, I mean to give him a good talking to, murmured Adelheid more as if thinking aloud than talking to Elsie. Then kissing the little girl again, she rose hastily and left the room, with the intention of seeking her brother, but he had gone out, and when he returned he brought several gentlemen with him, and she had no opportunity until the desire to interfere in the matter had passed from her mind. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, not speaking, I will hear. The promise had been fulfilled to Elsie, and help had been sent her in her trouble. When her aunt Adelheid left her, Elsie, first carefully locking the door to guard against a surprise visit from Anna, went to her bureau, and unlocking a drawer, took out a purse she was knitting for her father to replace the one she had given to Miss Allison. She had commenced it before his return, and having spent upon it nearly every spare moment since, she could feel secure from intrusion, she now had it nearly completed. Many a silent tear had fallen as she worked, and many a sigh over disappointed hopes had been woven into its bright meshes of gold and blue. But now she had been much comforted and encouraged by her ant sympathy and kind promise of assistance, and though there were still traces of tears upon it, the little face looked quite bright and cheerful again as she settled herself in her little sewing chair The small white fingers moved right briskly, the bright shining needles glancing in and out, while the thoughts, quite as busy, ran on something in this fashion. Uh, I am so sorry, I have done so badly the past month, no wonder Papa was vexed with me, I don't believe I ever had such a bad report before. What has come over me? It seems as if I can't study and must have a holiday. I wonder if it is all laziness. I'm afraid it is, and that I ought to be punished. I wish I could shake off and feel industrious as I used to. I will try very hard to do better this month, and perhaps I can. It is only one month and then June will be over. And this day is going north to spend July and August and maybe September, and so we shall have a long holiday. Surely I can stand it one month more, it will soon be over, though it does seem a long time. And besides, this month we are not to study so many hours because it is so warm, and there is to be no school on Saturdays, none tomorrow so that I can finish this. I wonder if Papa will be pleased and she sighed deeply. I'm afraid it will be a long, long time before he will be pleased with me again. I have displeased him twice this week. First about the bird, now this bad report and that shameful copy book. But oh, I will try so hard next month, and dear Adelheid will keep Arthur from troubling me and I am determined my copy book shall look neat and not have a single minute. I wonder how I shall spend the vacation. Last summer I had such a delightful visit at Ashlands, and then they were here all the rest of the time. It was then poor Herbert had such a dreadful time with his hip. How thankful I ought to be that I am not laying and have always been so healthy. But I'm afraid Papa won't let me go there this summer, nor ask them to visit me because he said he thought Lucy was not a suitable companion for me. I was very naughty when she was here and I've been naughty a great many times since. Oh dear, shall I never, never learn to be good? It seems to me I am naughty now much oftener than I used to be before Papa came home. I'm afraid he will soon begin to punish me severely as he threatened today. I wonder what he means. A crimson tide suddenly swept over the fair face and neck, and dropping her work she covered her face with her hands. Oh he couldn't, couldn't mean that. How could I ever bear it and yet if it would make me really good I think I wouldn't mind the pain. But the shame and the disgrace, oh, would break my heart. I could never hold up my head again. Oh, can he mean that? But I must just try to be so very good that I will never deserve punishment, and then it will make no difference to me what he means. And with this consolidatory reflection she took up her work again. Mammy is Papa in his room, asked I'll see the next afternoon as she put the finishing touches to her work. No, darling, Master Horace, he rode out with a strange gentleman more than an hour ago. Elsie later needles away in her workbasket, and opening her writing desk selected a bit of note paper on which she wrote in her very best hand. A present for my dear Papa from his little daughter Elsie. This she carefully pinned to the purse and then carried it to her Papa's room, intending to leave on his toilet table. Fearing that he might possibly have returned, she knocked gently at the door, but receiving no answer, opened it and went in. But she had not gone more than half way across the room, when she heard his voice behind her, asking in a tone of mingled surprise and displeasure. What are you doing here in my room in my absence, Elsie? She started and turned around, pale and trembling, and lifting her eyes, pleading me to his face, silently placed the purse in his hand. He looked first at it, and then at her. I made it for you, dear Papa, she said in a low tremulous tone. Do please take it. It is really very pretty, he said, examining it. Is it possible it is your work? I had no idea you had so much taste and skill. Thank you, daughter, I shall take it and use it with a great deal of pleasure. He took her hand as he spoke, and sitting down lifted her to his knee, saying, Elsie, my child, why do you always seem so afraid of me? I don't like it. The sudden impulse, she threw her arms around his neck, and pressed her lips to his cheek. Then, dropping her head on his breast, she sobbed, Oh Papa, dear Papa, I do love you so very dearly. Will you not love me? Oh Papa, love me a little. I know I've been naughty very often, but I will try to be good. Then, for the first time, he folded her in his arms, and kissed her tenderly, saying in a moved tone, I do love you, my darling, my own daughter. Oh, the words were sweeter to Elsie's ear than the most delicious music. Her joy was too great for words, for anything but tears. Why do you cry so, my darling, he asked, soothingly, stroking her hair, and kissing her again and again. Oh Papa, because I'm so happy, so very happy, she sobbed. Do you indeed care so very much for my love, he asked? Then, my daughter, you must not speak to you as though I were a cruel tyrant. Oh Papa, I cannot help but when you look and speak so sternly, I love you so dearly, I cannot bear to have you angry with me, but I am not afraid of you now. That is right, he said, caressing her again, but there is the T-bell, he added, setting her down. Go into the dressing room there and bathe your eyes, and then come to me. She hastened to do his bidding, and then, taking her hand, he left. There were visitors, and all his conversation was addressed to them and the older members of the family, but he now and then bestowed a kind look upon his little girl, and attended carefully to all her wants, and Elsie was very happy. Everything now went on very pleasantly with our little friend for some days. She did not see a great deal of her father as he was frequently away from home for a day or two, and when he returned, generally brought a number of visitors with him, but whenever he returned, he would be very happy with her, and very pleased with her ability to see her in her fear of him, and constantly hoping that the time would come when he would have more leisure to bestow upon her. She was happy now, and with a mind at ease was able to learn her lessons well, and as her aunt Adelheid faithfully kept her promise and thus freed her from Arthur's annoyances, she was unable to do justice to her writing. She took great pains, her copy book showed forward with pleasing anticipations to the time when her report should again be presented to her father. But alas, one unfortunate morning it happened that this day was in a very bad humor indeed, peevish, breathful, irritable, and unreasonable to the last degree, and as usual, Elsie was the principal sufferer from her ill humor. She found fault with everything the little girl did, scold that her shook her, refused to explain the manner of working a difficult example, or to permit her to apply to anyone else for assistance, and then punished her because it was done wrong, and when the child could no longer keep back her tears, called her a baby for crying, and a dunce for not understanding her arithmetic better. All this Elsie bore meekly impatient, not answering a word, but her meekness seemed only to provoke the governess the more, and finally, when Elsie came to recite her last lesson, she took pains to put her questions in the most scarcely allowing the child an instant to begin her reply, answered them herself, then throwing down the book, scolded her vehemently for her bad lesson, and marked it in her report as a complete failure. Poor Elsie could bear no more, but bursting into tears and sobs said, Miss Day, I did know my lesson, every word of it, if you would ask the questions as usual, or had given me time to answer. I say that you did not know it, that it was a complete failure, replied Miss Day angrily, and you shall sit down and learn every word over. I do know it, if you will hear me right, said Elsie indignantly, and it is very unjust in you to mark it a failure. Impudence, exclaimed Miss Day furiously, how dare you contradict me, I shall take you to your father. And seizing her by the arm, she dragged her across the room, and opening the door pushed her into the passage. Oh, don't, Miss Day pleaded the little girl turning toward her pale and tearful. Don't tell, Papa. I will, so just walk along with you, was the angry rejoinder, as she pushed her before her to Mr. Dinsmore's room. It stood open, and he sat at his desk, writing. What is the matter, he asked, looking up as they appeared before the door. Elsie has been very impertinent, sir, said Miss Day. She not only accused me of injustice, but contradicted me flatly. Is it possible, said he, frowning angrily, come here to me, Elsie, and tell me, is it true that you did it? Yes, Papa, sobbed the child. Very well, then, I shall certainly punish you, for I will never allow anything of the kind. As he spoke, he picked up a small ruler that laid before him, at the same time taking Elsie's hand as though he meant to use it on her. Oh, Papa, she cried in a tone of agonized entreaty. But he laid it down again, saying, No, I shall punish you by depriving you of your plate this afternoon, and sit down there, he added, pointing to a stool. Then with a wave of his hand to the governess, I think she will not be guilty of the like again, Miss Day. The governess left the room, and Elsie sat down on her stool, crying and sobbing violently, while her father went down with his writing. Elsie, he said presently, ceased that noise, I have had quite enough of it. She struggled to suppress her sobs, but it was almost impossible, and she felt at late if a dinner bell rang, and her father left the room. In a few moments a servant came in, carrying on a small waiter, a tumbler of water and a plate with a slice of bread on it. This damn dreadful poor family, Elsie, he said, setting it down beside her. But, Masahoris, he say all you can have. But if you say so, this child tell Phoebe to send up something. Better for Masahoris get through his dinner. Oh, no, thank you, Pompey. You're very kind, but I would not be so bare to see Papa, replied the little girl earnestly, and I am not at all hungry. He lingered a moment, seeming loath to leave her to dine upon such fare. You had better go now, Pompey, she said gently, I am afraid you will be wanted. He turned and left the room, muttering something about disagreeable good for nothing this day. Elsie felt no disposition to eat, and when her father returned, a half an hour afterward, the bread and water were still untouched. What is the meaning of this, he asked, in a stern, angry tone? Why have you not eaten what I sent you? I am not hungry, Papa, she said humbly. Don't tell me that, he replied, it is nothing but stubbornness, and I shall not allow you to show such a temper. Take up that bread this moment, eat it. You shall eat every crumb of the bread and drink every drop of the water. She obeyed him instantly, breaking off a bit of bread and putting it in her mouth, while he stood watching her with an air of stern cold tempted to swallow it seemed utterly impossible. Cannot, Papa, she said, it chokes me. You must, he replied. I am going to be obeyed. Take a drink of water, and that will wash it down. It was a hard task, but seeing that there was no escape, she struggled to obey, and at length every crumb of bread and drop of water had disappeared. Now Elsie sent her father in a tone of great severity, never dare to show me such a temper as this again. You will not escape so easily next time to be obeyed always, and when I send you anything to eat, you are to eat it. It had not been temper at all, and his unjust severity almost broke her heart, but she could not say one word in her own defence. He looked at her a moment as she sat there trembling and weeping, then saying, I forbid you to leave this room without my permission. Don't venture to disobey me, Elsie. Sit where you are until I return. Return to go. Papa, she asked fleetingly, may I have my books to learn my lessons tomorrow? Certainly, he said. I will send a servant with them. And my Bible too, please, Papa? Yes, yes, he answered impatiently as he went out and shut the door. Jim was just bringing up Elsie's horse as Mr. Dinsmore passed through the hall, and he stepped out to order it back to the stable, saying that Miss Elsie was not going to ride. What is the trouble with Elsie, asked his sister Adelheid as he returned to the drawing-room and been impertinent to her governess, and I have confined her to my room for the rest of the day, he replied rather shortly. Are you sure, Horace, that Elsie was so much to blame? Asked his sister, speaking a tone too low to reach any ear but his. I am certain from what Laura tells me that Miss Day is often cruelly unjuster, more so than to any of other of her pupils. He looked at her with a good deal of surprise. Are you not mistaken, he asked? No, it is a positive fact that many times really abuse her. Indeed, I shall certainly not allow that, he said, coloring with anger. But in this instance, Adelheid, he added thoughtfully, I think you must be mistaken, for Elsie acknowledged that she had been impertinent. I did not condemn her unheard, stern and severe, as you think me. If she was, Horace, believe me, it must have been only after great provocation, and her acknowledgement of it is no proof at all to my mind, for Elsie is so humble that I think she must have been guilty of impertinent if Miss Day accused her of it. Surely not, Adelheid, she is by no means wanting and sense, he replied, in a tone of incredulity, not unmixed with annoyance. Then he sat thinking a moment, half inclined to go to his child and inquire more particularly into the circumstances, but soon relinquished the ideas, saying to himself, no, if she does not choose to be frank with me and stubbornness about eating that bread. He was very proud and did not like to acknowledge, even to himself, that he had punished his child unjustly, much less to her, and it was not until near tea-time that he returned to his room, entering so softly that Elsie did not hear him. She was sitting just where he had left her, bending over her Bible, an expression of sadness and deep humility on the sweet little face, so young and fair and innocent. She did not seem to start, she said, in a voice full of tears. Dear Papa, I am very sorry for all my naughtiness, will you please forgive me? Yes, he said, certainly I will, if you are really sorry. And, stooping, he kissed her coldly, saying, now go to your room and let Chloe dress you for tea. She rose at once, gathered up her books, and went out. The little heart was very sad, for her father's manner was so cold, she feared he would never love her again, and she was particularly bad-marked given for her recitation that day, because she knew the time was now drawing very near when her report must be handed into her Papa, and the delight with which she had hitherto looked forward to receiving his well- merited affirmation was now changed to fear and dread of his displeasure, yet she knew she had not deserved the bad-mark, and again and again she determined that she would tell her father all about it, but his manner had now become so cold and stern that she could not sum it up for the day until it was too late. End of Chapter 7 Recording by Sarah Gutierrez Chapter 8 of Elsie Dinsmore This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Margaret Brashant Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter 8 He that pursues an act that is attended with doubtful issues for the means had need of policy and force to make it speed. T. Nabs unfortunate mother. Joyen of her feasts so high as when the first course is of misery. Sucklings aglora. It was Friday and the next morning was the one the reports were to be presented. School had closed and all but Elsie had already left the room, but she was carefully arranging the books, writing and drawing materials, etc., in her desk, for she was very neat and orderly in her habits. When she had quite finished her work she took up her report book and glanced over it. As her eye rested for an instant upon the one bad mark, she sighed a little in murmur to herself. I am so sorry. I wish Papa knew how little I really deserved it. I don't know why I never can get the courage to tell him. Then, laying it aside, she opened her copy book and turned over the leaves with unalloyed pleasure, for not one of its pages was defaced by full blot, and from beginning to end it gave evidence of painstaking carefulness and decided improvement. Ah, surely this will please dear Papa! she exclaimed, half allowed. How good Aunt Adelaide was to sit here with me! Then, putting it carefully in its place, she closed and locked the desk, and carrying the key to a room laid it on the mantel, where she was in the habit of keeping it. Now it so happened that afternoon that Arthur, who had made himself sick by over-indulgence in sweetmeats, and had in consequence been lounging about the house, doing nothing for the last day or two, remained at home while all the rest of the family were out, walking, riding, or visiting. He was not usually very fond of reading, but while lying on the lounge in the nursery, very much in one of some amusement, it suddenly occurred to him that he would like to look at a book he had seen Elsie reading that morning. To be sure the book belonged to her, and she was not there to be consulted as to her willingness to lend it, but that made no difference to Arthur, who had very little respect for the rights of property, accepting where his own were concerned. Elsie he knew was out, and Chloe in the kitchen, so, feeling certain there would be no one to interfere with him, he went directly to the little girl's room to look for the book. He soon found it lying on the mantel, but the desk he lay right beside it, and as he caught sight of that he gave a half-scream of delight, for he guessed at once to what locket belonged, and felt that he now could accomplish the revenge he had plotted ever since the affair of the watch. He put out his hand to take it, but drew it back again, and stood for a moment balancing in his mind the chances of detection. He could deface Elsie's copy book, but Adelaide could testify to the little girl's carefulness and the neatness of her work up to that very day, for she had been in the school room that morning during the writing hour. But then Adelaide had just left home to pay a visit to a friend living at some distance and would not return for several weeks, so there was little danger from that quarter. Miss Day, to be sure, knew the appearance of Elsie's book quite as well, but there was still less danger of her interference, and he was pretty certain no one else knew. So he decided to run the risk, and laying down the book he took the key, went to the door, looked carefully up and down the hall to make sure of not being seen by any of the servants, and having satisfied himself on that point, hurried to the school room, unlocked Elsie's desk, took out her copy book, and dipping a pen in the ink proceeded deliberately every page in it. On some he made a large blot, on others a small one, and on some two or three, and also scribbled between the lines and on the margin, so as completely to deface poor Elsie's work. But to do Arthur justice, though he knew his brother would be pretty sure to be very angry with Elsie, he did not know of the threatened punishment. He stopped once or twice as he thought he heard a footstep and shut down the lid until it had passed when he raised it again and went on with his wicked work. He did not take long, however, and he soon replaced the copy book in the precise spot in which he had found it, wiped the pen and put it carefully back in its place, relocked the desk, hurried back to Elsie's room, put the key just where he had found it, and taking the book returned to the nursery without having met anyone. He threw himself down on a couch and tried to read, but in vain. He could not fix his attention upon the page, could think of nothing but the mischief he had done, and its probable consequences. And now, when it was too late, he more than half repented. Yet as to confessing and thus saving Elsie from unmerited blame, he did not for a single moment entertain the thought. But at length it suddenly occurred to him that if it became known that he had been into Elsie's room to get the book, he might be suspected. And he started up with the intention of replacing it, but he found that it was too late. She had already returned, for he heard her voice in the hall, so he lay down again and kept the book until she came in again. He looked very guilty as the little girl came in. But not seeming to notice it, she merely said, I am looking for my book. I thought perhaps someone might have brought it in here. Oh! You have it, Arthur. We'll keep it if you wish. I can read it just as well another time. Here, take it, said he roughly, pushing it toward her. I don't want it. It isn't a bit pretty. I think it is very interesting, and you are quite welcome to read it if you wish, she answered mildly. But if you don't care to, I will take it. Young ladies and gentlemen, said the governess, as they were about closing their exercises the next morning. This is the regular day for the reports and they are all made out. Miss Elsie, here is yours. Bring your copy book and carry both to your papa. Elsie obeyed, not with some trembling, yet hoping, as there was but one bad mark in the report and the copy book showed such evident marks of care and painstaking, her papa would not be very seriously surprised. It being the last day of the term, the exercises of the morning had varied somewhat from the usual routine and the writing hour had been entirely omitted, thus it happened that Elsie had not opened her copy book and was in consequence still an ignorance of its sadly altered appearance. She found her father in his room. He took the report first from her hand and glancing over it, said with a slight frown, I see you have one very bad mark for recitation. But, as there is only one and the others are remarkably good, I will excuse it. Then, taking the copy book and opening it, much to Elsie's surprise and alarm, he gave her a glance of great displeasure, turned rapidly over the leaves, then laying it down, said in his sternest tones, I see I shall have to keep my promise, Elsie. What papa? she asked, turning pale with terror. What said he? Do you ask me what? Did I not tell you positively that I would punish you if your copy book did not present a better appearance than it did last? Oh, papa, does it not? I tried so very hard. There are no blots in it. No blots, said he. What do you call these? And he turned over the leaves again, holding the book so that she could see them, and showing that almost everyone was blotted in several places. Elsie gazed at them in unthamed astonishment. Then, looking up into his face, she said earnestly but fearfully, Papa, I did not do it. Who did, then, he asked. Indeed, papa, I do not know, she replied. I must inquire into this business, he said, rising, and if it is not your fault you shall not be punished. But if I find you have been telling me a falsehood, Elsie, I shall punish you much more severely than if you would not deny your fault. And taking her by the hand as he spoke, he led her back to the school room. This day, said he, showing the book, Elsie says these blots are not her work. Can you tell me whose they are? Miss Elsie generally tells the truth, sir, replied Miss Day sarcastically, but I must say that in this instance I think she has failed, as her desk has a good lock and she herself keeps the key. Elsie, he said, turning to her, is this so? Yes, papa. And have you ever left your desk unlocked or the key lying about? No, papa. I am quite certain I have not, she answered unhesitatingly, her voice trembled, and she grew very pale. Very well, then. I am quite certain you have told me a falsehood since it is evident this must have been your work. Elsie, I can forgive anything but a falsehood, but that I never will forgive. Come with me, I shall teach you to speak the truth to me, at least, if to no one else. And taking her hand again, he led, or rather dragged her from the room, for he was terribly angry, his face fairly pale with passion. Laura came in while he was speaking and, certain that Elsie would never be caught in a falsehood, her eye quickly sought Arthur's desk. He was sitting there with very guilty countenance. She hastily crossed the room and speaking in a low tone said, Arthur, you have had it hanged in this business and I very well know. Now confess it quickly or Horace will have kill Elsie. You don't know anything about it, said he doggedly. Yes, I do, she answered, and if you do not speak out at once, I shall save Elsie if your guilt afterwards, so you had much better confess. Go away, he exclaimed angrily, I have nothing to confess. Seeing it was useless to try to move him, Laura turned away and hurried to Horace's room, which, in her haste, she entered without knocking, he having fortunately neglected to fasten the door. She was just in time, he had a small riding whip in his hand and Elsie stood beside him pale as death, too much frightened even to cry and trembling so that she could scarcely stand. He turned an angry glance on his sister as she entered, but taking no notice of it, she exclaimed eagerly, Horace, don't punish Elsie for I am certain she is innocent. He lay down the whip asking, how do you know it, what proof have you? I shall be very glad to be convinced, he added, his countenance relaxing somewhat in its stern and angry expression. In the first place, replied his sister, there is Elsie's established character for truthfulness, and all the time she has been with us, we have ever found her perfectly truthful in word indeed. And then, Horace, what motive could she have had for spoiling her book, knowing as she did that certain punishment would follow? Besides, I am sure Arthur is at the bottom of this, for though he will not acknowledge, he does not deny it. Ah, yes, and now I recollect. I saw and examined Elsie's book only yesterday, and it was then quite free from lots. A great change had come over her brother's countenance while she was speaking. Thank you, Laura, he said cordially, as soon as she had done, you have quite convinced me and saved me from punishing Elsie as unjustly as severely. That last assurance I consider quite sufficient of itself to establish her innocence. Laura turned and went out feeling very happy, and as she closed the door, Elsie's papa took her in his arms, saying in loving, tender tones, my poor little daughter, my own darling child, I have been cruelly unjust to you, have I not? Dear papa, you thought I deserved it, she said, with a burst of tears and sobs, throwing her arms around his neck and laying her head on his breast. Do you love me, Elsie dearest? he asked, folding her closer to his heart. Ah, so very, very much, better than all the world beside. Oh, papa, if you would only love me. The last word was almost a sob. I do, my darling, my own precious child, he said, caressing her again and again. I do love my little girl, although I may at times seem cold and stern, and I am more thankful than words can express that I have been saved from punishing her unjustly. I could never forgive myself if I had done it. I would rather have lost half I am worth. Ah, I feared would have turned all her love for me into hatred and unjustly too. No, papa, oh no, no, nothing could ever do that. And the little arms were classed closer and closer about his neck, and the tears again fell like rain as she timidly pressed her quivering lips to his cheek. There, there, daughter, don't cry anymore. We will try to forget all about it and talk of something else, he said, soothingly. Elsie dear, your aunt Adelaide thinks perhaps you were not so very much to blame the other day, and now I want you to tell me all the circumstances. For though I should be very sorry to encourage you to find fault with your teacher, I am by no means willing to have you abused. Please, papa, don't ask me, she begged. Aunt Laura was there and she will tell you about it. No, Elsie, he said very decidedly, I want the story from you, and remember, I want every word that passed between you and Miss Day as far as you can possibly recall it. Seeing that he was determined, Elsie obeyed him, though with evident reluctance, and striving to put Miss Day's conduct in his favourable light as consistent with truth, while she by no means extenuated her own. Yet her father listened with feelings of strong indignation. Elsie, he said, when she had done, if I had known all this at the time, I should not have punished you at all. Why did you not tell me, my daughter? How have you been ill-treated and provoked? Oh, papa, I could not. You know you did not ask me. I did ask you if it was true that you contradicted her, did I not? Yes, papa, and it was true. You ought to have told me the whole story, though, but I see how it was I frightened you by my sternness. Well, daughter, he added, kissing her tenderly, I shall endeavor to be less stern in the future, and you must try to be less timid and more at ease with me. I will, papa, she replied meekly, but indeed I cannot help feeling frightened when you are angry with me. Mr. Dinsmore sat a long time with his little daughter on his knee, caressing her more tenderly than ever before, and Elsie was very happy and talked more freely to him than she had ever done, telling him of her joys and her sorrows, how dearly she had loved Miss Allison, what happy hours they had spent together in studying the Bible and in prayer, how grieved she was when her friend went away, and how intensely she enjoyed the little letter now and then received from her, and he listened to it all, apparently both pleased and interested, encouraging her to go on by an occasional question or a word of assent or approval. What is this, Elsie? He asked, taking hold of the chain she always wore around her neck and drawing the miniature from her bosom. But as he touched the spring, the case flew open, revealing the sweet, girlish face it needed not Elsie's low murmured, Mama, to tell him who that lovely lady was. He gazed upon it with emotion, carried back in memory to the time when, for a few short months, she had been his own most cherished treasure. Then, looking from it to his child, he murmured, Yes, she is very like, the same features, the same expression, complexion, hair and all, will be the very counterpart of her if she lives. Dear Papa, am I like Mama? asked Elsie, who had caught a part of his words. Yes, darling, very much indeed, and I hope you will grow more so. You loved Mama? she said inquiringly. Dearly, very dearly. Oh Papa, tell me about her due, dear Papa, she pleaded eagerly. I have not much to tell, he said, sighing. I knew her only for a few short months, ere we were torn asunder, never to meet again on earth. But we may hope to meet her in heaven, dear Papa, said Elsie softly, for she loved Jesus, and if we love him, we shall go there too when we die. Do you love Jesus, Papa? she timidly inquired, for she had seen him do a number of things that would be wrong, such as writing out for pleasure on the Sabbath, reading secular newspapers, and engaging in worldly conversation, and she greatly feared he did not. But instead of answering her question, he asked, do you, Elsie? Oh yes, sir, very, very much, even better than I love you, my own dear Papa. How do you know, he asked, looking keenly into her face. Just as I know that I love you, Papa, or anyone else, she replied, lifting her eyes to her face in evident surprise of the strangeness of the question. Ah, Papa, she added in her own sweet, simple way. I do so love to talk of Jesus, to tell him all my troubles and ask him to forgive my sins and make me holy, and that it is so sweet to know that he loves me and will always love me, even if no one else does. He kissed her very gravely and set her down, saying, go now, my daughter, and prepare for dinner. It is almost time for the bell. You are not displeased, Papa, she inquired, looking up anxiously into his face. No, darling, not at all, he replied, stroking her hair. Shall I ride with my little girl this afternoon? Oh, Papa, do you really mean it? I shall be so glad, she exclaimed joyfully. Very well then, he said. It is settled, but go now, there is the bell. No, stay, he added quickly as she turned to obey. Think a moment and tell me when you put the key of your desk yesterday, for it must have been then the mischief was done. Had you it with you when you rode out? Suddenly, Elsie's face flushed and she exclaimed eagerly, ah, I remember now. I left it on the mantelpiece, Papa N. But here she paused, as if sorry she had said so much. And what, he asked, I think I had better not say it, Papa. I am afraid I ought not to, for I don't really know anything and it seems so wrong to suspect people. You need not express any suspicions, said her father. I do not wish you to do so, but I must insist upon having all the facts you can furnish with me. Was Aunt Chloe in your room all the time you were away? No, sir. She told me she went down to the kitchen directly after I left, and did not come up again until after I returned. Very well. Do you know whether anyone else entered the room in your absence? I do not know, Papa, but I think Arthur must have been in, because when I came home, I found him reading a book which I had left lying on the mantelpiece. She answered in a low, reluctant tone, ah, that is just it. I see it all now, he exclaimed, with a satisfied nod. There, that will do, Elsie, go now and make haste down to your dinner. But Elsie lingered, and an answer to a look of kind inquiry coaxingly. Please, Papa, don't be very angry with him. I think he did not know how much I cared about my book. You are very forgiving, Elsie, but go, child. I shall not abuse him. Mr. Dinsmore answered with an imperative gesture, and the little girl hurried from the room. It happened that just at this time the elder Mr. Dinsmore and his wife were paying a visit to some friends in the city, and thus Elsie's Papa had been left head of the house for the time. Arthur, knowing this to be the state of affairs, and that though his father was expected to return that evening, his mother would be absent for some days, was beginning to be a good deal fearful of the consequences of his misconduct, and not without reason, for his brother's wrath was now fully aroused, and he was determined that the boy should not, on this occasion, escape the penalty of his misdeeds. Arthur was already in the dining room when Mr. Dinsmore came down. Arthur said he, to step into the library a moment, I have something to say to you. I don't want to hear it, muttered the boy with a dogged look and standing perfectly still. I dare say not, sir, but that makes no difference, replied his brother. Walk into the library at once. Arthur returned a scowl of defiance, muttering almost under his breath. I'll do his eye please about that. But cowed by his brother's determined look and manner, he slowly and reluctantly obeyed. Now, sir, said Mr. Dinsmore when he had him fairly in the room and had closed the door behind him. I wish to know how you came to meddle with Elsie's copy book. I didn't, was the angry rejoinder. Take care, sir, I know all about it, said Mr. Dinsmore, in a warning tone. It is useless for you to deny it. Yesterday, while Elsie was out and Aunt Chloe in the kitchen, you went to her room, took the key of her desk from the mantelpiece where she had left it, went to the school room and did the mischief, hoping to get and then relocking the desk and turning the key to its proper place, thought you had escaped detection and I was very near giving my poor, innocent little girl the whipping you so richly deserve. Arthur looked up in astonishment. Who told you, he asked. Nobody saw me. Then, catching himself said hastily, I tell you I didn't do it. I don't know anything about it. Will you dare to tell me such a falsehood as that again, exclaimed Mr. Dinsmore angrily, taking him by the collar and shaking him roughly. Let me alone, wine the culprit. I want my dinner, I say. You'll get no dinner today. I can tell you, replied his brother. I am going to lock you into your bedroom and keep you there until your father comes home. And then, if he doesn't give you the flogging you deserve, I will. For I intend you shall have your desserts for once in your life. I know that all this is in revenge for Elsie's forced testimony in the affair of the watch. And I gave you fair warning then that any attempt to abuse my child should receive its just reward. He took the boy by the arm as he spoke to lead him from the room. At first Arthur seemed disposed to resist. But soon, seeing how useless it was to contend against such odds, he resigned himself to his fate, saying solemnly, you wouldn't treat me this way if Mama was at home. She is not, however, as it happens. Though I can tell you that even she could not save you now, replied his brother as he opened the bedroom door and locked him in, locked it upon him, and put the key in his pocket. Mr. Horace Dinsmore had almost unbounded influence on his father, who was very proud of him. The old gentleman also utterly despised everything mean and underhanded, and upon being made acquainted by Horace with Arthur's misdemeanors, he inflicted upon him a severe punishment as anyone could have desired. End of chapter 8 Chapter 9 of Elsie Dinsmore This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sarah Gutierrez Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter 9 Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee. Deuteronomy chapter 5 verse 12 She is mine own, and I as rich in having such a jewel, as twenty seas, if all their sand were pearl, the water nectar, and the rocks pure gold. Shakespeare, two gentlemen of Verona. And now happy days had come to the little Elsie. Her father treated her with a tenderest affection and kept her with him almost constantly, seeming scarcely willing to have her out of his sight for an hour. He took her with him wherever he went in his rides and walks and visits to the neighboring planters. She was much admired for her beauty and sweetness of disposition, much caressed and flattered, but through it all, lost none of her native modesty, but was ever the same meek, gentle little girl. She felt grateful for all the kindness she received and liked to visit with her papa, but her happiest days were spent at home on occasions when they were free from visitors, and she could sit for hours on his knee or by his side talking or reading to him or working at her embroidery or knitting and listening while he read. He helped her with all her studies, taught her something of botany and geology in their walks, helped her to see and correct the faults of her drawings, sang with her when she played, bought her quantities of new music and engaged the best masters to instruct her. In short, took a lively interest in all her pursuits and pleasures, gave her every indulgence and lavished upon her the tenderest caresses. He was very proud of her beauty, her sweetness, her intelligence and talent, and nothing pleased him better than to hear them spoken up by others in terms of praise. And Elsie was very happy. The soft eyes grew bright with happiness, and the little face lost its pensive expression, and became as round, rosy and merry as Anna's. This day went north, expecting to be absent several months, and Elsie's papa took her traveling, spending some time at different watering places. It was her first journey since she had been old enough to care for such things, and she enjoyed it exceedingly. They left home in July, and did not return until September, so that the little girl had time to rest and recruit, both mentally and physically, and was ready to begin her studies again to feel an energy. Yet it was so pleasant to be her papa's constant companion, and she had so enjoyed her freedom from the restraints of the schoolroom that she was not at all sorry to learn on their arrival at Rosalinds, that the governess would still be absent for some weeks. How bright and happy the child looks was Adelaide's remark on the day of their return, as from the opposite side of the room she watched the speaking countenance of a little girl who was giving Anna and the boys yes said Laura, and how entirely she seems to have overcome her fear of her father. For at that instant Elsie suddenly left the little group, and running to him, leaned confidingly on his knee, while apparently urging some request, which she answered with a smile, and a nod of acquiescence, when she left the room and presently returned carrying a richly bound book of engravings. Yes, Elsie had lost her fear of her father, and could now talk to him in wishes as freely as ever Anna did, and no wonder, for in all these weeks he had never given her one harsh word or look, but indeed he had had no occasion to do so, for she was always docile and obedient. It was Sabbath afternoon, the first Sabbath after their return, and Elsie was in her own room alone with the books she loved best, her Bible, hymn book, and pilgrim's progress. She had spent a very happy hour in the nation, reading in prayer, and was singing to herself in a low tone her favorite hymn, I lay my sins on Jesus, while turning over the leaves of her Bible to find the story of Elijah, which she had promised to read to Chloe that afternoon. When a child's footsteps were heard coming down the hall, the handle of the door was turned hastily, and then, as it refused to yield, Anna's voice called out in a fretful and furious tone. Open this door, Elsie Dinsmore, say. Elsie sighed as she thought, there is an end to my nice afternoon. But she rose at once, and quickly crossing the room, opened the door, asking pleasantly, what do you want, Anna? I told you I wanted to come in, replied Anna, sossily, and now you've got to tell me a story to amuse me. Mama says so, because you know I've got a cold, and she won't let me go out. Well, Anna, said Elsie patiently, to read a very beautiful story to Mammy, and you're quite welcome to sit here and listen. I shan't have it read, I said you were to tell it. I don't like to hear reading, replied Anna in her imperious way, at the same time taking quiet possession of Elsie's little rosewood rocking chair, a late present from her Papa, and highly prized by the little girl on that account, and they needed to scratch it with her thumbnail upon the arm. Oh, don't scratch my pretty new chair, Anna, Elsie entreated. It's Papa's present, and I wouldn't have it spoiled for a great deal. I will, who cares for your old chair, was the reply in a scornful tone, as she gave another in heart of dig with her nail. You're a little old maid, so particular with all your things, that's what Mama says you are. Now tell me that story. I will tell you a story if you'll stop scratching my chair, Anna, said Elsie almost with tears in her eyes. I'll tell you about Elijah on Mount Carmel, or Belchazar's feast, or the children in the fiery furnace, or I shan't hear any of those. I don't want any of your old Bible stories, interrupted Anna insolently. You must tell me that pretty fairy tale Herbert Carrington is so fond of. No, Anna, I cannot tell you that today, replied Elsie, speaking gently, but very firmly. I say you shall, screamed Anna, springing to her feet. I'll just go and tell Mama, and she'll make you do it. Stay, Anna, said Elsie, catching her hand to detain her. I'll tell you any story I know that is suitable for the Sabbath, but I cannot tell the fairy tale today, because you know it would be wrong. I'll tell it to you tomorrow, though, if you'll wait. You're a bad girl, and I'll just tell Mama of you, exclaimed Anna passionately, jerking her hand away and darting from the room. Oh, if Papa were only at home, sighed Elsie, sinking into her rocking chair pale and trembling, but she knew that he would probably not return for some time. He had invited her to accompany him, but she had begged to be allowed to stay at home, and he had let her have her wish. As she feared she was immediately summoned to Mrs. Dinsmore's presence. Elsie, said that lady severely, are you not ashamed of yourself to refuse Anna such a small favor, especially when the poor child is not well? I must say that you are the most selfish, disablaging child I ever saw. I offered to tell her a Bible story or anything suitable for the Sabbath day, replied Elsie meekly, but I cannot tell the fairy tale because it would be wrong. Nonsense, there's no harm at all in telling fairy tales today any more than any other day, but it's just an excuse, Elsie, said Mrs. Dinsmore angrily. I don't want her old Bible stories, I won't have them, I want that pretty fairy tale, sobbed Anna passionately, make her tell it, Mama. Come, come, what is all this fuss about? Ask the elder Mr. Dinsmore coming in from in a joining room. Nothing, said his wife, except that Anna is not well enough to go out and wants the fairy story to pass away the time, which Elsie alone is acquainted with, but is too lazy or too self-willed to relate. He turned angrily to his little granddaughter. Ah, indeed, is that it? Well, there is an old saying, a bird that can sing and won't sing must be made to sing. Elsie was opening her lips to speak, very silent, and then went on. She pretends it is all on account of her conscientious scruples. It isn't fit for the Sabbath, she says. Now, I say it is a great piece of impertinence for a child of her years to set up her opinion against yours and mine, and I know very well it is nothing but an excuse, because she doesn't choose to be obliging. Of course, it is nothing in the world but an excuse, responded Mr. Dinsmore hotly. Elsie's face flushed, and she answered a little indignantly. No, Grandpa, indeed it is not merely an excuse, but... Do you dare to contradict me, you impertinent little hussy? cried the old gentleman, interrupting her in the middle of her sentence and catching her by the arm. He shook her violently. Then, picking her up and setting her down hard upon a chair, he said, Now, Miss, sit you there until your father comes home. Then we will see what he thinks of such impertinence, and if he doesn't give you the complete whipping you deserve, I miss my guess. Please, Grandpa, I... Hold your tongue, don't dare to speak another word until your father comes home, said he, threateningly. If you don't choose to say what you're wanted to, you shall not talk at all. Then, going to the door, he called the servant and made him tell Mr. Horace as soon as he returned that he wished to see him. For the next half hour, and a very long when it seemed to her, Elsie sat there wishing for and yet dreading her father's coming. Would he inflict upon her the punishment which her grandfather evidently wished without pausing to inquire into the merits of the case? Or would he listen patiently to her story? And even if he did, might he not still think her deserving of punishment? She could not answer these questions to her own satisfaction. A few months ago she would have been certain of a very severe chastisement, and even now she trembled with fear, for though she knew beyond a doubt that he loved her dearly, she also knew that he was a strict and severe disciplinarian and never excused her faults. At last her ear caught the sound of his step in the hall, and her heart beat faster and faster as it drew nearer until he entered and addressed to he his father asked. Did you wish to see me, sir? Yes, Horace, I want you to attend to this girl, applied the old gentleman, with the motion of the head toward Elsie. She has been very impertinent to me. What? Elsie impertinent? Is it possible? I certainly expected better things of her. His tone expressed great surprise, and turning to his little daughter he regarded her with a grave, sad look that brought the tears to her eyes, dearly as she loved him, it seemed almost harder to bear than the old expression of stern severity. It is hard to believe, he said, that my little Elsie would be guilty of such conduct, but if she has been, of course she must be punished, for I cannot allow anything of the kind. Go, Elsie, to my dressing room and remain there until I come to you. Papa, she began bursting into tears. Hush, she said, with something of the old sternness, not a word, but obey me instantly. Then as Elsie went sobbing from the room, he seated himself and turning to his father said, now, sir, if you please, I should like your the whole story, precisely what Elsie has done and said, and what was the provocation, for that must also be taken into the account, and or that I may be able to do her justice. If you do her justice, you will whip her well, remarked his father in tone of asperity. Horace colored violently, and he aroused his ire sooner than any interference between him and his child, but controlling himself he replied quite calmly, if I find her deserving of punishment I will not spare her, but I should be sorry indeed to punish her unjustly. Will you be so good as to tell me what she has done? Mr. Dinsmore referred him to his wife for the commencement of the trouble, and she made out as bad a case against Elsie as possible, but even then there seemed to her father to be very little to condemn, and when Mrs. Dinsmore said it was Elsie's refusal to humor Anna and her desire for a particular story which Elsie thought it not best to relate on the Sabbath, he bid his lip with vexation, and told her in a haughty tone that though he did not approve of Elsie's strict notions regarding such matters, yet he wished her to understand that his daughter was not to be made a slave to Anna's wins. If she chose to tell her a story, or to do anything else for her amusement, he had no objection, but she was never to be able to understand that it was done as a favor, and not at all as her right. You are right enough there, Horace, remarked his father, but that does not excuse Elsie for her impertence to me. In the first place I must say I agree with my wife in thinking it quite a piece of impertence for a child of her years to set up her opinion against mine, and besides she contradicted me flatly. He then went on to repeat what he had said, and Elsie's denial of the charge, using her exact words but quite a different tone, and discussing the fact that he had interrupted her before she had finished her sentence. Elsie's tone, though slightly indignant, had still been respectful, but from her grandfather's rehearsal of the scene, her father received the impression that she had been exceedingly saucy, and he left the room with the intention of giving her almost as severe a punishment as her grandfather would have prescribed. On the way up to his room, however, his anger had a little time to cool, and it occurred to him that it would be no more than just to hear her side of the room. Elsie was seated on a couch at the far side of the room, and as he entered, she turned on him a tearful pleading look that went straight to his heart. His face was grave and sad, but there was very little sternness in it, as he sat down and took her in his arms. For a moment he held her without speaking while she lifted her eyes timidly to his face. Then, as he said, as he gently stroked the hair back from her forehead, I am very sorry, very sorry indeed to hear so bad of my little daughter. I am afraid I shall have to punish her, and I don't like to do it. She answered not a word, but burst into tears, and hiding her face in his breast sobbed aloud. I will not condemn you on her and Elsie, he said after a moment's pause. Tell me how you came to be so important to your grandfather. I didn't mean to be saucy, Papa, indeed I did not, she sobbed. Stop crying, then, daughter, he said kindly, and tell me all about it. I know there was some trouble between you and Anna, and I want you to tell me all that occurred and every word spoken by either of you, as well as all that passed between Mrs. Dinsmore, your grandfather and yourself. I am very glad that I can trust my little girl to speak the truth. I am quite sure she would not tell a falsehood, even to save herself from punishment. He added tenderly. Thank you, dear Papa, for saying that, said Elsie, raising her head and almost smiling through her tears. I will try to tell it just as it happened. She then told her stories simply and truthfully, repeating Elsie Bader every word that had passed between Anna and herself and between her and her grandparents. Her words to her grandfather sounded very different, repeated in her quiet, respectful tones. And when she added that if he would have allowed her, she was going on to explain that it was not any unwillingness to oblige Anna, but the fear of doing wrong that led her to refuse her request. Her father thought that after all she deserved very little blame. Do you think I was very saucy, Papa? She asked anxiously when she had finished her story. So much depends upon the tone, Elsie, he said, that I can hardly tell. If you used the same tone in speaking to your grandpa that you did in repeating your words to me just now, I don't think it was very impertinent, though the words themselves were not as respectful as they ought to have been. You must always treat my father quite as respectfully as you do me, and I think with him too that there is something quite impertinent in a little girl like you setting up her opinion against that of her elders. You must never try with me, my daughter. Elsie hung down her head in silence for a moment, then asked in a tremulous tone, Are you going to punish me, Papa? Yes, he said, but first I'm going to take you downstairs and make you beg your grandfather's pardon. I see you don't want to do it, he added looking keenly into her face, but you must, and I hope I shall not be obliged to enforce obedience to my commands. I will do whatever you bid me, Papa, she sobbed, but I did not mean to be saucy. Please, Papa, tell me what to say. You must say, Grandpa, I did not intend to be impertinent to you, and I am very sorry for whatever may have seemed saucy in my words or tones. Will you please to forgive me, and I will try always to be perfectly respectful in future? You can sell that with truth, I think. Yes, Papa, I am sorry, and I do intend to be respectful to Grandpa always. She answered brushing away her tears and putting her hand in his. He then led her into her grandfather's presence, saying, Elsie has come to beg your pardon, sir. That is as it should be, replied the old gentleman glancing triumphantly at his wife. I told her you would not uphold her in any such impertence. No, said his son, with some displeasure in his tone. I will neither uphold her in wrongdoing nor suffer her to be imposed upon. Speak, my daughter, and say what I bade you. Elsie sobbed out the required words. Yes, I must forgive you, of course, replied her grandfather coldly, but I hope your father is not going to let you off without proper punishment. I will intend to that. I certainly intend to punish her as she deserves. Said his son, laying a marked emphasis upon the concluding words of his sentence. Elsie wholly misunderstood him, and so troubled with fear as he led her from the room that she could scarcely walk, seeing which he took her in his arms and carried her upstairs, she sobbing at his shoulder. He did not speak until he had locked the door, carried her across the room, and seated himself upon the couch again, with her upon his knee. Then he said in a soothing tone as he wiped away her tears and kissed her kindly. You need not tremble so, my daughter, I am not going to be severe with you. She looked up and glad surprised. I said I would punish you as you deserve, he said with a smile, and I intend to keep you shut up here with me until bedtime. I shall not allow you to go downstairs to tea, and besides I am going to give you a long lesson to learn, which I shall require you to recite to me quite perfectly before you can go to bed. Elsie grew frightened again at the mention of the lesson, for she feared it might be something which she could not conscientiously study on the Sabbath. But all her fear and trouble vanished as she saw her father take up a Bible that lay on the table and turn over the leaves as though selecting a passage. Presently he put it into her hands and, pointing to the 13th and 14th chapters of John's Gospel, bade her carry the book and sit there until she had learned them perfectly. Oh, Papa, what a nice lesson she explained looking up delightedly into his face. But it won't be any punishment because I love these chapters dearly and have read them so often that I almost know every word already. Hush, hush, she said, pretending to be very stern. Don't tell me that my punishments are no punishments. I don't allow you to talk so just take the book and learn what I bids you and if you know those two already you may learn the next. He placed his hand and tripped away to her window. While he threw himself down on the couch and took up a newspaper, more as a screen to his face, however, than for the purpose of reading, for he lay there closely watching his little daughter as she sat in the rich glow of the sunset with her sweet, gray little face bending over the holy book. The darling he murmured to himself she is lovely as an angel and she is mine, mine only, my own precious one and loves me with her whole soul. Ah, how can I ever find it in my heart to be stern to her? Ah, if I were but half as good and pure as she is I should be a better man than I am and he heaved a deep sigh. Half an hour had passed and still Elsie bent over her book. The tea-bell rang and Mr. Dinsmore started up and crossing the room bent down and stroked her hair. Do you know what darling he asked? Almost Papa and she looked up into his face with a bright, sweet smile full of affection. With a sudden impulse he caught her in his arms and kissing her again and again said with emotion, Elsie, my darling, I love you too well. I could never bear to lose you. You must love Jesus better, my own precious Papa, she replied clasping her little arms around his neck and returning his caresses. He held her a moment and then putting her down said, I shall send you up some supper and I want you to eat it. Don't behave as you did about the bread and water once a good while ago. Will it be bread and water this time Papa? She asked with a smile. You will see, he said, laughingly and quit at the room. Elsie turned to her book again but in a few moments was interrupted by the entrance of a servant carrying on a silver waiter a play of hot buttered muffins a cup of jelly, another of hot coffee and a piece of broiled chicken. Elsie was all astonishment. Why, Papa, she asked, did Papa send it? Yes, Miss Elsie, did he did replied this servant with a grin of satisfaction as he sat down his burden I reckon you've been very nice girl this day or else Master Horace think you look a little bit sick. Papa is very good and I much obliged to you too, Pump," said the little girl laying aside her book and seating herself before the waiter. Just ring the bell, Miss Elsie, if you want more and this child butch him up Master Horace say so himself. And the grinning negro bowed himself out, chuckling with delight for Elsie had always been a great favor with him. Dear Papa, Elsie said when he came in again smilingly asked if she had eaten her prison fare what a good supper you sent me but I thought you didn't allow me such things. Don't you know said he playfully laying his hand upon her head that I am absolute monarch of this small kingdom and you are not to question my doings or decrees? Then in a more serious tone no, daughter, I do not allow it as a regular thing because I do not think it for your good but for once I thought it would not hurt you I know you are not one to presume upon favors and I want it to indulge you a little because I fear my little girl has been made to suffer perhaps more than she quite deserved this afternoon. His voice had a very tender tone as he uttered the concluding words and stooping he pressed his lips to her forehead. Don't think though he added the next moment that I am excusing you for impertinence, not at all but it was what you have had to suffer from Anna's insolence. I shall put a stop to that for I will not have it. I don't mind it much Papa said Elsie gently I am quite used to it or else Anna has always treated me so. Why did I never hear of it before he asked half angrily it is abominable not to be endured he exclaimed and I shall see that Miss Anna is made to understand that my daughter is fully her equal in every respect and always to be treated as such. He paused but Elsie half frightened at his vehemence made no reply and he went on I have no doubt your grandfather and his wife would have been better pleased had I forced you to yield to Anna's whim but I had no idea of such a thing you shall use your own pleasure whenever she is concerned but if I had been you to tell her that story it would have been a very different matter you need never set up your will or your opinion of right and wrong against mine Elsie for I shall not allow it. I don't altogether like some of those strict notions you have gotten to your head and I give you fair warning that should they ever come into collision with my wishes and commands they will have to be given up to a well-alarmed daughter I hope it may never happen and we will say no more about it tonight he added kindly where she had grown very pale and trembled visibly oh Papa dear Papa don't ever bid me do anything wrong it would break my heart she said laying her head on his shoulder as he sat down and drew her to his side I never intend to bid you do wrong but on the contrary wish you always to do right but then daughter I must be the judge of what is right or wrong for you only a very little girl and not yet capable of judging for yourself and all you have to do is to obey your father without murmuring or hesitation and then there will be no trouble his tone though mild and not unkind was very firm and decided and Elsie's heart sank she seemed to feel herself in the shadow of some great trouble laid up in store for her in the future but she strove and ere long with success to banish the foreboding of evil which oppressed her and give herself up to the enjoyment of present blessings her father loved her dearly she knew that and he was not now requiring her to do ought against her conscience and perhaps he never might he had said so himself and God could incline his heart to respect her scruples or if in his infinite wisdom he saw that the dreaded trial was needed he would give her strength to bear it for had he not promised as thy day so shall thy strength be her father's arm was around her and she had been standing silently on his shoulder while these thoughts were passing through her mind and the little heart going up in prayer to God for him and for herself what is my little girl thinking of he asked presently a good many things papa she said raising her face now quite peaceful and happy again I was thinking of what you had just been saying to me and that I am so glad I know that you love me dearly and I was asking God to help us both to do his will and that I might always be able to do what you bid me without disobeying him she added simply and then asked may I say my lesson now papa I think I know it quite perfectly yes he said in an absent way bring me the book Elsie brought it and putting it into his hands drew up a stool and sat down at his feet resting her arm on his knee and looking up into his face then in her sweet low voice she repeated slowly and feelingly with true and beautiful emphasis she had given her to learn that most touching description of the last supper and our saviour's farewell address to his sorrowing disciples ah papa is it not beautiful she exclaimed laying her head up on his knee while the tears trembled in her eyes is not that a sweet verse having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end it seems so strange that he could be so thoughtful for them so kind and loving when all the time he knew but a dreadful death he was just going to die and knew besides that they were all going to run away and leave him alone with his cruel enemies oh it is so sweet to know that Jesus is so loving and that he loves me and will always love me even to the end forever how do you know that Elsie he asked I know that he loves me papa because I love him and he has said I love them that love me and I know that he will love me always because he has said I have loved thee with an everlasting love and in another place I will never leave thee nor forsake thee but do you think you are good enough daughter for Jesus to love you ah papa I know I am not at all good I have a very wicked heart and often my thoughts and feelings are all wrong and Jesus knows all about it but that does not keep him from loving me for you know it was sinners he died to save ah papa how good and kind he was who could help loving him I used to feel so lonely and sad sometimes papa that I think my heart would have broken quite and I should have died if I had not had Jesus to love me when were you so sad and lonely darling he asked in a moved tone as he laid his hand gently on her head and stroked her hair caressing me sometimes when you were away papa and I had never seen you but then I used to think of you and my heart would long and ache so to see you and hear you call me daughter and to lay my head against your breast and feel your arms folding me close to your heart as you do so often now she paused a moment and struggled hard to keep down the rising sobs as she added but when you came papa and I saw you did not love me oh papa that was the worst I thought I could never, never bear it I thought my heart would break and I wanted to die and go to Jesus and to mama the little frame shook with sobs my poor darling my poor little pet he said taking her in his arms again and caressing her with the greatest tenderness it was very hard, very cruel I don't know how I could steal my heart so against my own little child but I had been very much prejudiced and led to suppose that you looked upon me with fear and dislike as I hated tyrant Elsie lifted her eyes to his face with a look of extreme surprise oh papa she exclaimed how could you think that I have always loved you ever since I can remember when Elsie went to her room that evening she thought very seriously of all that had occurred during the afternoon and all that her papa had said to her and to her usual petitions was added a very fervent one that he might never bid her break any command of God or if he did that she might have strength given her according to her day a shadow had fallen on her pathway faint but perceptible a light fleecy cloud obscured the brightness of her sun and it was not for some weeks that even the most distant mutterings of the coming storm could be heard End of Chapter 9 Recording by Sarah Gutierrez Chapter 10 of Elsie Dinsmore This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Sarah Gutierrez Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter 10 If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord, honorable, and shall honor him not doing thine own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words I say of 5813 whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God Judge ye Acts 419 Quite a number of guests had dined at Roselands They were nearly all gentlemen and were now collected in the drawing room laughing, jesting, talking politics and conversing with each other and the ladies upon various worldly topics Apparently quite forgetful that it was the Lord's day which he has commanded to be kept holy in thought and word as well as deed May I ask what you are in search of, Mr. Eversham? inquired Adelaide as she noticed one of the guests glance around the room with a rather disappointed air Yes, Miss Adelaide I was looking for little Miss Elsie Trevilla has given me so very glowing an account of her precocious musical talent that I have conceived a great desire to hear her play and sing Do you hear that, Horace? asked Adelaide, turning to her brother Yes, and I shall be most happy to gratify you, Eversham replied the young father with a proud smile He crossed the room to summon a servant but as he placed his hand upon the bell-rope Mrs. Dinsmore arrested his movement Stay, Horace, she said You had better not send for her May I be permitted to ask why, madam? He inquired in a tone of mingled surprise and annoyance Because she will not sing, answered the lady coolly Pardon me, madam, but I think she will if I bid her to do it He said with flashing eyes No, she will not persisted Mrs. Dinsmore in the same cold quiet tone She will tell you she is wiser than her father and that it would be a sin to obey him in this Believe me, she will most assuredly defy your authority So you had better take my advice and let her alone Thus despairing yourself the mortification of exhibiting before your guests your inability to govern your child Mr. Dinsmore bit his lip with vexation Thank you, he said haughtily but I prefer convincing you that an inability lies wholly in your own imagination and I am quite at a loss to understand upon what you found your opinion as Elsie has never yet made the very slightest resistance to my authority He had given the bell-rope a vigorous pull while speaking and a servant now appearing in answer to the summons requiring her presence in the drawing room Then turning away from his stepmother who looked after him with a gleam of triumph in her eye he joined the group of gentlemen already gathered about the piano where Adelheid had just taken her seat and begun a brilliant overture Yet outwardly calm and self-satisfied as his demeanor may have been Horace Dinsmore was even now regretting the step he had just taken for remembering Elsie's conscientious scruples regarding the observance of the Sabbath which she had for the moment forgotten he foresaw that there would be a struggle probably a severe one and though having always found her docile in yielding he felt no doubt of the final result he would willingly have avoided the contest could he have done so without a sacrifice of pride but as he said to himself with a slight sigh he had now gone too far to retreat and then he had all along felt that this struggle must come sometime and perhaps it was as well now as it any other Elsie was alone in her room spending the Sabbath afternoon in her usual manner when the servant came to say that her papa wished to see her in the drawing room the little girl was a good deal alarmed at the summon for the thought instantly flashed upon her he is going to bid me play and sing or do something else which he is not right to do on the Sabbath day but remembering that he had never had done so she hoped he might not now yet ere she obeyed the call she knelt down for a moment and prayed earnestly for strength to do right however difficult it might be come here daughter her father said as she entered the room he spoke in his usual pleasant affectionate tone yet Elsie started trembled and turned pale for catching sight of the group at the piano and her aunt Adel had just vacated the music stool she had once perceived what was in store for her here Elsie said her father selecting a song which she had learned during their absence and sang remarkably well I wish you to sing this for my friends they are anxious to hear it will not tomorrow do papa she asked in a low tremulous tone Mrs. Dinsmore who had drawn near to Lisbon now looked at Horace with a meaning smile which she effected not to see certainly not Elsie he said we want it now you know it quite well enough without any more practice I did not want to wait for that reason papa she replied in the same low trembling tones but you know this is the holy Sabbath day well my daughter and what of that I considered this song perfectly proper to be sung today and that ought to satisfy you that you will not be doing wrong to sing it remember what I said to you some weeks ago and now sit down and sing it at once without any more ado oh papa I cannot sing it today please let me wait until tomorrow Elsie he said in his sternest tones sit down to the piano instantly and do as I bid you and let me hear no more of this nonsense she sat down but raising her pleading eyes brimful of tears to his face she repeated her refusal dear papa I cannot sing it today I cannot break the Sabbath Elsie you must sing it said he placing music before her I have told you that it will not be breaking the Sabbath and that is sufficient you must let me judge for you in these matters let her wait until tomorrow dens more tomorrow will suit us quite as well urge several of the gentlemen while I'll hide good naturedly said let me play it Horace I have no such scruples and presume I can do it nearly as well as Elsie no he replied when I give my child a command it is to be obeyed I have said she should play it and play it she must she is not to suppose that she may set up her opinion of right and wrong against mine Elsie sat with her little hands she held in her lap the tears streaming from her downcast eyes over her pale cheeks she was trembling but though there was no stubbornness in her countenance the expression meek and humble she made no movement toward obeying her father's order there was a moment of silent waiting then he said in his severest tone Elsie you shall sit there till you obey me though it should be until tomorrow morning yes papa she replied in a scarcely audible voice the child turned away and left her you see now that you had better have taken my advice Horace remarked Mrs. Din's more in a triumphant aside I knew very well how it would end excuse me said he but it has not ended and ere it does I think she will learn that she has a stronger will than her own to deal with Elsie's position was the most uncomfortable one her seat high and uneasy and seeming to grow more and more so as the weary moments pass slowly away no one came near her or seemed to notice her yet she could hear them conversing in other parts of the room and knew that they were sometimes looking at her and timid and bashful as she was it seemed hard to bear then too her little heart was very sad as she thought of her father's displeasure and feared that he would withdraw from her the affection which had been for the last few months the very sunshine of her life besides all this the excitement of her feelings and the close and sultry air for it was a very warm day had brought on a nervous headache she leaned forward and rested her head against the instrument feeling in momentary danger of falling from her seat thus two long hours had passed when Mr. Trevilla came to her side and said in a compassionate tone I am really very sorry for you my little friend but I advise you to submit to your papa I see you are getting very weary sitting there and I warn you not to hope to conquer him I have known him for years and a more determined person I never saw had you not better sing the song it will not take five minutes and then your trouble will be all over Elsie raised her head and answered gently thank you for your sympathy Mr. Trevilla you're very kind but I could not do it because Jesus says he that love a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me and I cannot disobey him even to please my own dear papa but Miss Elsie will not be disobeying him is there any verse in the bible which says you must not sing songs on Sunday Mr. Trevilla it says the Sabbath is to be kept holy unto the Lord that we are not to think our own thoughts nor speak our own words nor do our own actions but all the day must be spent in studying God's word or worshiping and praising him and there is no praise in that song not one word about God or heaven that's very true Elsie it's a very little thing that I kind of think there would be much harm in it or that God would be very angry with you for doing it oh Mr. Trevilla she said looking up at him in great surprise surely you know that there's no such thing as a little sin and don't you remember about the man who picked up sticks on the Sabbath day no what was it God commanded that he should be stoned to death and it was done would you not have thought that a very little thing Trevilla? yes I believe I should said he turning away with a very grave faith din's more he said going up to his friend I am sure that child was conscientious had you not better give up to her in this instance never Trevilla he answered with stern decision this is the first time she has rebelled against my authority and if I let her conquer now she will think she is always to have her own way no cost what it may I must subdue her with law right Horace said the elder Mr. Din is more approvingly let her understand from the first that you are to be master it is always the best plan excuse me din's more said Trevilla but I must say that I think a parent has no right to coerce a child into doing violence to its conscience nonsense replied his friend a little angrily Elsie is entirely too young to set up her opinion against mine she must allow me to judge for her in these matters for some years to come Eversham who had been casting uneasy glances at Elsie all the afternoon now drawing his chair near to Adelheid said to her in an undertone Ms. Adelheid I am deeply sorry for the mischief I have unwittingly caused and if you can tell me how to repair it you will lay me under lasting obligation Adelheid shook her head there is no moving Horace when he has once set his foot down she said and as to Elsie I doubt whether any power on earth can make her do what she considers wrong poor little things that Eversham signed where in the world did she get such odd notions partly from a pious scotch woman who had a good deal to do with her in her infancy and partly from studying the Bible I believe she is always at it indeed and he relapsed into thoughtful silence another hour passed slowly away and then the T-bell rang Elsie asked her father coming to her side are you ready to obey me now if so we will wait a moment to hear the song and then you can go to your tea with us dear papa I cannot break the Sabbath she replied in a low gentle tone without lifting her head very well then I cannot break my word you must sit there until you will submit and until then you must fast you are not only making yourself miserable by your disobedience and obstinacy Elsie but you are mortifying and grieving me very much he added in this abjude tone that sent a sharp pang to the loving little heart and caused some very bitter tears to fall as he turned away and left her the evening passed wearily away to the little girl the drawing room was but dimly lighted but the company had all deserted it to wander about the grounds or sit in the portico enjoying the moonlight and the pleasant evening breeze and the air indoors seemed insupportably close and sultry at times Elsie could scarcely breathe and she longed intensely to get out into the open air every moment her seat grew more uncomfortable and the pain in her head more severe her thoughts began to wander she forgot where she was everything became confused and at length she lost all consciousness several gentlemen among whom were Mr. Horace Dinsmore and Mr. Travilla were conversing together on the portico when they were suddenly startled by a sound as if something falling Travilla who was nearest the door rushed into the drawing room and saw the others a light quick quick a light he cried raising Elsie's insensible form in his arms the child has fainted one of the others instantly snatching a lamp from a distant table brought it near and the increased light showed Elsie's little face gosly as that of a corpse while a stream of blood was flowing from a wound in the temple made by striking against some sharp corner of the furniture as she fell she was a pitiful sight indeed her fair face, her curls and her white dress all dabbled in blood Dinsmore, you're a brute exclaimed Travilla indignantly as he placed her gently on a sofa Horace made no reply but with a face almost as pale as her own bent over his little daughter in speechless alarm while one of the guests who happened to be a physician hastily dressed the wound and then applied restorative it was some time her consciousness returned the mother trembled with the agonizing fear that the gentle spirit had taken it to light but at length the soft eyes unclose and gazing with a troubled look into his face bent so anxiously over her she asked dear papa are you angry with me no darling he replied in tones made tremulous with emotion not at all what was it she asked in a bewildered way what did I do what has happened to your mind daughter he said you have been ill but you are better now so don't think anymore about it she'd better be put to bed at once with the physician there's blood on my dress cried Elsie in a startled tone where did it come from you fell and hurt your head replied her father raising her gently in his arms but don't talk anymore now oh I remember she moaned an expression of keen distress coming over her face papa hush hush not a word more you will let the past go he said kissing her lips I shall carry you to your room now and see you put to bed he held her on his knee her head resting on his shoulder while Chloe prepared her for rest are you hungry daughter he asked no papa I only want to go to sleep there aunt Chloe that will do he said as the old nurse tied in the child's nightcap and raising her again in his arms he carried her to the bed and was about to place her on it prayers first you know she cried eagerly never mind them tonight so you're not able please let me dear papa she pleaded I cannot go to sleep without yielding to her entreaties he placed her on her knees and stood beside her listening to her murmured petition in which she more than once heard his own name coupled with a request that he might be made to love Jesus when she had finished he again raised her in his arms kissed her tenderly several times and then laid her carefully on the bed saying as he did so why did you ask Elsie that I might love Jesus because papa I do so want you to love him it would make you so happy and besides you cannot go to heaven without it the bible says so does it and what makes you think I don't love him dear papa please don't be angry she pleaded tearfully but you know Jesus says he that keepeth my commandments he it is that loveeth me he stooped over good night daughter he said dear dear papa she cried throwing her armor on his neck and drawing down his face close to her I do love you so very very much better than anybody else he asked no papa I love Jesus best you next he kissed her again and with a half sigh turned away and left the room he was not entirely pleased not quite willing that she should love herself Elsie was very weary and was soon asleep she waked the next morning feeling nearly as well as usual and after she had had her bath and been dressed by Chloe's careful hands the curls being arranged to conceal the plaster that covered the wound on her temple there was nothing in her appearance except a slight paleness to remind her friends of the last night's accident she was sitting reading her morning chapter when her father came in and taking a seat by her side lifted her to his knee saying as he caressed her tenderly my little daughter is looking pretty well this morning how does she feel quite well thank you papa she replied looking up into his face with a sweet loving smile he raised the curls to look at the wounded temple then as he dropped them again he said with a shudder Elsie do you know that you were very near being killed last night no papa was I she asked with an awestruck countenance yes the doctor says if that wound had been made half an inch near your eye I should have been childless his voice trembled almost too much for utterance as he finished his sentence and he strained her to his heart with a deep sigh of thankfulness for her escape Elsie was very quiet for some moment and the little face was almost sad and deep thoughtfulness what are you thinking of darling he asked she raised her eyes to his face and he saw that they were brimful of tears oh papa she said dropping her head on his breast while the bright tears fell like rain down her cheeks would you have been so very sorry sorry darling do you not know that you are more precious to me than all my wealth all my friends and relatives put together yes I would rather part with everything else than lose this one little girl he said kissing her again and again dear dear papa how glad I am that you love me so much she replied and then relapsed into silence he watched her changing countenance for some time then asked what is it darling I was just thinking she said whether I was ready to go to heaven and I believe I was for I know that I love Jesus and then I was thinking how glad mama would have been to see me don't you think she would papa I can't spare you to her yet he replied with emotion and I think she loves me too well to wish it as Miss Day had not yet returned Elsie's time was still pretty much at her own disposal accepting when her papa gave her something to do so after breakfast finding that he was engaged with someone in the library she took her bible and seeking out a shady retreat in the garden sat down to read the bible was ever the book of books to her and this morning the solemn tender feelings naturally caused by the discovery of her recent narrow escape and sudden death made it even more than usually touching and beautiful in her eyes she had been alone in the arbor for some time when hearing a step at her side she looked up showing a face all wet with tears it was Mr. Travilla who stood beside her in tears Lelsie pray what may the book be that affects you so he asked sitting down by her side and taking it from her hand the bible I declare he explained in surprise what can there be in it that you find so affecting oh Mr. Travilla I said the little girl does it not make your heart ache to read how the Jews abused our dear, dear savior and then to think that it was all because of our sins she sobbed he looked half distressed half puzzled it seemed a new idea to him really my little Elsie he said you are quite original in your ideas I suppose I ought to feel unhappy about these things but indeed the truth is I have never thought much about them then you don't love Jesus she answered mournfully ah Mr. Travilla how sorry I am why Elsie what difference can it make to you whether I love him or not because Mr. Travilla the bible says Fenniman loved not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be anathema maranatha a curse from God oh so think how dreadful you cannot be saved unless you love Jesus and believe on him that Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved that is what God says in his word she spoke with deep solemnity the tears trembling in her eyes he was touched but for a while sat perfectly silent then he said with an effort to speak lightly ah well my little friend I certainly intend to repent and believe before I die but there is time enough yet Mr. Travilla she said laying her hand on his arm and looking earnestly into his face how do you know that there is time enough yet don't put it off I beg of you she paused a moment then asked do you know Mr. Travilla how near I came to being killed last night he nodded well suppose I had been killed and have not loved Jesus where would I be now he put his arm around her and giving her a kiss said I don't think you would have been in any very bad place Elsie a sweet amiable little girl who has never harmed anyone would surely not fare very badly in another world she shook her head very gravely ah Mr. Travilla you forget the anathema maranatha if I had not loved Jesus and had my sins washed away in his blood I could not have been saved just at this moment a servant came to tell Elsie that her papa wanted her in the drawing room and Mr. Travilla taking her hand led her into the house they found the company again grouped about the piano listening to Adelheid's music Elsie went directly to her father and stood by his side putting her hand in his for the gesture of confiding affection he smiled down at her and kept fast hold of it until his sister had risen from the instrument when putting Elsie in her place he said now my daughter let us have that song yes papa she replied beginning the prelude at once I will do my very best and so she did the song was both well played and well sung and her father looked proud and happy as the gentleman expressed their pleasure and asked for another and another thus the clouds which had so subtly obscured little Elsie's sky seemed to have vanished as speedily as they had arisen her father again treated her with all his wanted affection and there even seemed to be a depth of tenderness in his love which it had not known before for he could not forget how nearly he had lost her End of Chapter 10 Recording by Sara Gutierrez Chapter 11 of Elsie Dinsmore This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Heidi Will Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter 11 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said I thank Theo Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight Luke 10.21 Says the Apostle Paul I say the truth in Christ I lie not my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart for I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren my kinsmen according to the flesh brethren my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved and such dear reader is in greater or less degree the feeling of every renewed heart loving Jesus it would feign have others love him too it desires the salvation of all but for that of its own dear ones it longs and labors and prays it is like Jacob wrestling with the angel when he said I will not let thee go except thou bless me and thus it was with Elsie she knew now that her father was not a Christian that he had no real love for Jesus none of the true fear of God before his eyes she saw that if he permitted her to read to him from God's word as he sometimes did it was not that he felt any pleasure in listening but only to please her she had no reason to suppose he ever prayed and though he went regularly to church it was because he considered it proper and respectable to do so and not that he cared to worship God or to learn his will this conviction which had gradually dawned upon Elsie until now it amounted to certainty caused her great grief she shed many tears over in secret and very many and very earnest were the prayers she offered up for her dear father's conversion she was sitting on his knee one evening in the drawing room and the other gentlemen were conversing on the subject of religion they were discussing the question whether or no a change of heart were necessary to salvation the general opinion seemed to be that it was not and Elsie listened with pain while her father expressed his decided conviction that all who led an honest upright moral life and attended to the outward observances of religion were quite safe he could see no necessity for a change of heart the doctrine of total depravity not he, no indeed he thought the world much better than many people would have us believe Elsie fixed her eyes on his face with a very mournful gaze while he was speaking but he was busy with his argument and did not notice her but one of the guests was just expressing his approval of Mr. Dinsmore's sentiments when, catching sight of Elsie's face he stopped remarking your little girl looks as if she had something to say on the subject my dear Elsie blushed, hesitated and looked at her father yes, speak my daughter if you have anything to say he said encouragingly Elsie lifted her eyes timidly to the gentleman's face as she replied I was just thinking sir of what our saviour said to Nicodemus verily verily I say unto thee accept a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again she repeated these words of inspiration with a deep earnest solemnity that seemed to impress every hearer for a moment there was a deep hush in the room then the gentleman asked well my little lady and what is meant by being born again oh sir she replied surely you know that it means to have the image of God lost in Adam's fall restored to us it means what David asked for when he prayed created me a clean heart oh God the right spirit within me where did you learn all this he asked looking at her with mingled surprise and admiration in the Bible sir she modestly replied you seem to have read it to some purpose said he and now since you consider that change so necessary can you tell me how it is to be brought about God's holy spirit alone can change a sinner's heart sir and how am I to secure his aid he asked he answered with a text God is more willing to give his holy spirit to them that ask him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children he paused a moment then asked have you obtained this new heart Ms. Elsie I hope I have sir she replied the sweet little face also fused with blushes and the soft downcast eyes filling with tears there is a text that says you must be able always to give a reason for the hope that is in you or something to that effect is there not yes sir be ready always to give an answer to every man that ask of you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear then raising her eyes to his face with a touching mixture of deep humility and holy boldness she continued and this sir is my answer I think that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out and I believe him I did go to him and he did not cast me out but forgave my sins and taught me to love him and desire to serve him all my life this conversation between the gentleman and the little girl had drawn the attention of all present and now Mrs. Dinsmore who had more than once shown signs of impatience said and now the little girl was at the age then pulling out her watch it is high time for little folks to be in bed Elsie blushing deeply would have retired immediately but her father held her fast saying as he gave his stepmother an angry glance you need not go Elsie unless you choose I am quite capable of judging when it is time to send you to bed I would rather go with you please papa very well then you may do as you like giving her a good night kiss and with a graceful good night to the company the little girl left the room her questioner followed her with an admiring glance then turning to her father exclaimed warmly she is a remarkably intelligent child Dinsmore one that any father might be proud of I was astonished at her answers yes remarked Travilla a text has been running in my head ever since you commenced your conversation something about these things being hid from the wise and prudent and revealed unto babes and he added I am sure if I ever saw one who possessed that new nature of which she spoke it is she herself has she any faults Dinsmore very few I think though she would tell you a different story replied her father with a gratified smile the next morning Elsie was sitting reading her bible when she suddenly felt a hand laid on her head her father's voice said good morning little daughter ah papa is that you she asked raising her head to give him a smile of joyful welcome I did not know you were there ah I have been watching you for several minutes he said always pouring over the same book Elsie do you never tire of it no indeed papa it is always new and I do love it so it is so very sweet may I read a little to you she added coaxingly yes I love to listen to anything read by my darling he said sitting down and taking her on his knee she opened at the third chapter of John's Gospel and read it through at the sixteenth verse for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe it than him should not perish but have everlasting life she paused and asked was that not a wonderful gift papa and wonderful love that prompted it yes he said absolutely stroking her hair she finished the chapter and closing the book later head on his breast asking dear papa don't you believe the bible certainly daughter I am not an infidel he replied in a careless tone well then papa she continued half hesitatingly does not this chapter teach very plainly that we must love Jesus and have new hearts if we want to go to heaven yes he said I dare say it does then taking the book from her he laid it aside and giving her a kiss said I was much pleased with your intelligent answers to Mr. Lee last evening Elsie sighed and her eyes filled with tears it was not what she wanted what an odd child you are he said laughing he really look as though I had been scolding instead of praising you he put her head on his breast and burst into tears and sobs why Elsie my own darling what ails you he asked in great surprise oh papa she sobbed I want you to love Jesus oh is that all he said and setting her on her feet he took her by the hand and let her out into the garden where they met Mr. Travilla and another gentleman who immediately entered into conversation Elsie wandered about amongst the flowers and shrubs gathering a nose-gay for her aunt Adelaide