 Chapter I 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. Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley, Chapter I. I never saw an eye so bright and yet so soft as hers, and sometimes swam in liquid light and sometimes swam in tears. It seemed a beauty set apart for softness and for sight. This is will be. The school room at Roselands was a very pleasant apartment. The ceiling, it is true, was somewhat lower than in the more modern portions of the building, for the wing in which it was situated dated back to the old-fashioned days prior to the revolution, while the larger part of the mansion had not stood for more than twenty or thirty years. But the fact was relieved by windows reaching from floor to ceiling, and opening on a veranda which overlooked a lovely flower garden, beyond which were fields and woods and hills. The view from the veranda was very beautiful, and the room itself looked most inviting, with its neat matting, its windows draped with snow-white muslin, its comfortable chairs and pretty rosewood desks. Within this pleasant apartment sat Miss Day with her people, six in number. She was giving a lesson to Anna, the youngest, the spoiled darling of the family, the pet, and plaything of both mother and father. It was always a trying task to both teacher and scholar, for Anna was very willful, and her teacher's patience by no means inexhaustible. There, exclaimed Miss Day, shutting the book, and giving it an impatient toss onto the desk. Go, for I might as well try to teach old Bruno, I presume he would learn about as fast. As Anna walked away with a pout on her pretty face, she muttered that she would tell Mama. Young ladies and gentlemen, said Miss Day, looking at her watch, I shall lead you to your studies for an hour, at the end of which time I shall return to hear your recitations, when those who have attended properly to their duties will be permitted to ride out with me to visit the fair. Oh, that will be jolly, exclaimed Arthur, a bright-eyed mischief-loving boy of ten. Hush, said Miss Day sternly. Let me hear no more such exclamations, and remember that you will not go unless your lessons are thoroughly learned. Louise and Laura, addressing two young girls of the respective ages of twelve and fourteen, that French exercise must be perfect, and your English lessons as well. Elsie, to a little girl of eight, sitting alone at a desk near one of the windows, and bending over a slate with an appearance of great industry. Every figure of that example must be correct, your geography lesson recited perfectly, and a page in your copybook written without a blot. Yes, ma'am, said the child meekly, raising a pair of large, soft eyes at the darkest tazel for an instant to her teacher's face, and then dropping them again upon her slate. And see that none of you leave the room until I return, continued the governess. Walter, if you miss one word of that spelling, you will have to stay at home and learn it over. And thus, ma'am interferes as she will be pretty sure to do, muttered by Arthur as the door closed on this day, and a retreating footsteps were heard passing down the hall. For about ten minutes after her departure, all was quiet in the school room, each seemingly completely absorbed in study. But at the end of that time Arthur sprang up and flinging his book across the room exclaimed, There! I know my lesson, and if I didn't I shouldn't study another bit for old day, or night either. Do be quiet, Arthur, said his sister Louise. I can't study in such a ragged. Arthur stole on tiptoe across the room, and coming up behind Elsie tickled the back of her neck with a feather. She started saying in a pleading tone, Please, Arthur, don't. It pleases me to do, he said, repeating the experiment. Elsie changed her position, saying the same gentle persuasive tone, Oh, Arthur, please let me alone, or I never shall be able to do this example. What? All this time on one example, you ought to be ashamed. Why, I could have done it half a dozen times over. I have been over and over it, replied the little girl in a tone of despondency, and still there are two figures that will not come out right. How do you know they are not right, little puss, shaking her curls as he spoke? Oh, please, Arthur, don't pull my hair. I had the answer, that's the way I know. Well, then why don't you just set the figures down? I would. Oh, no indeed, that would not be honest. Nonsense. Nobody would be the riser nor the vor. No, but it would just be like telling a lie. But I can never get it right while you are bothering me so, said Elsie, laying her slate aside in despair. Then taking out her geography, she began studying most diligently. But Arthur continued his persecutions, tickling her, pulling her hair, twitching the book out of her hand, and talking almost incessantly, making remarks and asking questions till at last Elsie said, as if just ready to cry. Indeed, Arthur, if you don't let me alone, I shall never be able to get my lessons. Go away then, take your book out on the veranda and learn your lessons there, said Louise. I'll call you when this day comes. Oh, no, Louise, I cannot do that, because it would be disobedience, replied Elsie, taking out her writing materials. Arthur stood over her, criticizing every letter she made, and finally jogged her elbow in such a way as to cost her to drop all the ink in her pen upon the paper, making quite a large blot. Oh, cried the little girl, bursting into tears. Now I shall lose my ride, for Miss Day will not let me go, and I was so anxious to see all those beautiful flowers. Arthur, who was really not very vicious, felt some compunction when he saw the mischief he had done. Never mind, Elsie, said he. I can fix it yet. Just let me tear out this page, and you can begin again on the next, and I'll not bother you. I'll make these two fingers come out right, too, he added, taking up her slate. Thank you, Arthur, said the little girl, smiling through her tears. You are very kind, but it would not be honest to do either, and I'd rather stay at home than be deceitful. Very well, Miss, said he, tossing his head and walking away. Since you won't let me help you, it's all on your own fault if you have to stay at home. Elsie, exclaimed Louise, I have no patience with you. Such ridiculous scruples as you were always raising. I shall not have pity on you one bit if you were obliged to stay at home. Elsie made no reply, but brushing away a tear bent over her writing, taking great pains with every letter, though saying sadly to herself all the time, it's of no use, but that one great ugly blot will spoil it all. She finished her page, and accepting the unfortunate blot, it all looked very neat and neat, showing plainly that it had been written with great care. She then took up her slate and patiently went over and over every figure of the troublesome example, trying to discover where her mistake had been. But much time had been lost through Arthur's teasing, and her mind was so disturbed by the accent to her writing that she tried in vain to fix it upon the business in hand, and for the two troublesome figures had been made right, the hour was passed and Miss Day returned. Oh, thought Elsie, if she will only hear the others first, I may be able to get this and the geography ready yet, and perhaps if Arthur will be generous enough to tell her about the blot, she may excuse me for it. But it was a vain hope. Miss Day had no sooner seated herself at her desk than she called, Elsie, come here and say your lesson, and bring your copybook in slate that I may examine your work. Elsie tremblingly obeyed. The lesson, though a difficult one, was very tall overly recited, if for Elsie, knowing Arthur's propensity for teasing, had studied it in her own room before school hours. But Miss Day handed back the book with a frown, saying, I told you the recitation must be perfect, and it was not. She was always more severe with Elsie than any other of her pupils. The reason the reader will probably be able to divine ere long. There are two incorrect figures in this example, she said lying down the slate, after glancing over its contents, then taking up the copybook she exclaimed, careless disobedient child, did it not caution you to be careful not to blot your book? There will be no ride for you this morning. You have failed in everything. Go to your seat. Make that example right, and do the next. Learn your geography lesson over, and write another page in your copybook, and mind if there is a blot on it, you will get no dinner. Weeping and sobbing, Elsie took up her books, and obeyed. During the scene, Arthur stood at his desk, pretending to study, but glancing every now and then at Elsie, with a conscience evidently ill at ease. She cast an imploring glance at him as she returned to her seat. But when he turned away his head, muttered, it's all her own fault, for she wouldn't let me help. As he looked up again, he caught his sister Laura's eyes, fixed on him with an expression of scorn and contempt. He colored violently and dropped his eyes upon his book. Miss Day, said Laura indignantly, I see Arthur does not mean to speak, and as I cannot bear to see such injustice, I must tell you that it's all his fault that Elsie has failed in her lessons, for she tried her very best, but he teased her insistently, and also jogged her elbow and made her spill the ink on her book, and to her credit, she was too honorable to tear out the leaf from her copybook or to let him make her example right, both which she very generously proposed doing after causing all the mischief. Is this so, Arthur? asked Miss Day angrily. The boy hung his head, but made no reply. Very well then, said Miss Day, you too must stay at home. Surely, said Laura in surprise, he will not keep Elsie since I have shown you that she was not to blame. Miss Laura, replied to her teacher, hotly, I wish you to understand that I am not to be dictated to by my pupils. Laura bit her lip, but said nothing, and Miss Day went on hearing the lessons without further remark. In the meantime, the little Elsie sat at her desk, striving to conquer the feelings of anger and indignation that were swelling in her breast. For Elsie, though she possessed much of the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, was not yet perfect, and often had a fierce contest with her naturally quick temper. Yet it was seldom, very seldom, that word or tone or look betray the existence of such feelings, and it was a common remark in the family that Elsie had no spirit. The recitations were scarcely finished when the door opened, and a lady entered, dressed for a ride. Not through yet, Miss Day, she asked. Yes, madam, we're just done, replied the teacher, closing the French grammar and handing it to Louise. Well, I hope your pupils have all done well this morning, and are ready to accompany us to the fair, said Miss Dinsmore. But what does it matter with Elsie? She has failed in all her exercises, and therefore has been told that she must remain at home, replied Miss Day with heightened color and a tone of anger. And, as Miss Laura tells me, Master Arthur was partly the cause, I forbidden him also to accompany us. Excuse me, Miss Day, for correcting you, said Laura a little indignantly, but I did not say partly, for I'm sure it was entirely his fault. Hush, hush, Laura, said her mother, a little impatiently. How can you be sure of any such thing? Miss Day, I must beg you to excuse Arthur this once, for I have quite set my heart on taking him along. He is fond of mischief, I know, but he is only a child, you must not be too hard upon him. Very well, madam, replied the governess stiffly. You have, of course, the best right to control your own children. Miss Dinsmore turned to leave the room. Mama, asked Laura, is not Elsie to be allowed to go to? Elsie is not my child, and I have nothing to say about it. Miss Day, who knows all the circumstances, is much better able than I to judge whether she is deserving of punishment, replied Miss Dinsmore, sailing out of the room. You will let her go, Miss Day, said Laura inquirely. Miss Laura, replied Miss Day angrily, I have already told you I will not be dictated to. I have said Elsie must remain at home, and she will not break my word. Such injustice, muttered Laura, turning away. Laura, said Louise impatiently, why need you concern yourself with Elsie's affairs? For my part, I have no pity for her, so full as she is of nonsensical screw holes. Miss Day crossed the room to where Elsie was sitting, leaning her head upon the desk, struggling hard to keep down the feelings of anger and indignation aroused by the unjust treatment she had received. Did I not order you to learn that lesson over, said the governess, and why are you sitting here idling? Elsie dared not speak, lest her anger should show itself in words. She merely raised her head and hastily brushed away her tears, opened the book. But Miss Day, who was irritated by Miss Dinsmore's interference, and also by the consciousness that she was acting unjustly, seemed determined to vent her displeasures upon her innocent victim. Why do you not speak? She exclaimed, seizing Elsie by the arm and shaking her violently. Answer me this instant. Why have you been idling all morning? I have not, replied the child hastily, stung to the quick by her unjust violence. I had tried hard to do my duty, and you were punishing me when I don't deserve it at all. How dare you? There, take that for your impertinent, said Miss Day, giving her a box on the ear. Elsie was about to make a still more angry reply, but she restrained herself, and turning to her book tried to study, though the hot blinding tears came so thick and fast that she could not see a letter. The carriage and waiting ladies and Mrs. in a hurry set a servant opening the door, and Miss Day hastily quitted the room, followed by Louise and Laura, and Elsie was left alone. She laid down the geography, and opening her desk took out a small pocket Bible, which bore the marks of frequent use. She turned over the leaves as though seeking for some particular passage, at length she found it, and wiping away the blinding tears, she read these words in a low, murmuring tone. For this is thankful, if a man for conscience towards God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. What glory is it if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even herein, too, were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his death. Oh, I have not done it! I did not take it patiently! I am afraid I am not following in his steps. She cried, bursting into an agony of tears and sobs. My dear little girl, what is the matter? asked a kind voice, and a soft hand was gently laid on her shoulder. Oh, Miss Allison, she said. Is it you? I thought it was quite alone. And so ye were, my dear, until this moment, replied the lady, drawing up a chair and sitting down close beside her. I was on the veranda and hearing sobs, came in to see if I could be of any assistance. You look very much distressed. Will ye not tell me the cause of your sorrow? Allison answered only by a fresh burst of tears. They have all gone to the fair and left you home alone, perhaps to learn a lesson that you have failed in reciting, said the lady inquiringly. Yes, ma'am, said the child, but that is not the worst, and her chills were faster as she laid the Bible on her desk. Pointing with her finger to the words she had been reading. Oh, she sobbed. I did not do it. I did not bear it patiently. I was treated unjustly and punished when I was not to blame. And I grew angry. Oh, my friend, I shall never be like Jesus, never, never. The child's distress seemed very great, and Miss Allison was extremely surprised. She was a visitor who had been in the house only a few days, and herself a devoted Christian, had been greatly pained by the utter disregard of the family in which she was so adjourning for the teaching of God's word. Rose Allison was from the North, and Mr. Dinsmore, the proprietor of Rosalinds, was an old friend of her father, to whom he had been paying a visit, and finding Rose in a delicate help, he had prevailed upon her parents to allow her to spend the winter months with his family in the more congenial climb of their southern home. My poor child, she said, passing her arm around the little one's waist. My poor little Elsie, that is your name, is it not? Yes, ma'am, Elsie Dinsmore replied the little girl, Well, Elsie, let me read you another verse from this blessed book. Here it is. The blood of Jesus' Christ's son cleanses of us from all sin. And here again, if any man's sin, we have an advocate with Father Jesus Christ the righteous. Dear Elsie, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Yes, ma'am, said the child, I have asked God to forgive me, and I know he has, but I am so sorry, oh, so sorry that I have grieved and displeased him. For, oh, Miss Alison, I do love Jesus, and I want to be like him always. Yes, dear child, we must grieve for our sins when we remember that they helped to slay the Lord, but I am very, very glad to learn that you love Jesus, and are striving to do his will. I love him too, and we will love one another, for you know he says, by this shall men know that ye are my disciples, d'ye have loved one to another. So Miss Alison stroking the little girl's hair and kissing her tenderly. Will you love me? Oh, how glad I am, exclaimed the child joyfully. I have nobody to love me, but poor old Mammy. Who's Mammy, asked the lady? My dear old nurse who is taking care of me, have you not seen her, ma'am? Perhaps I have. I have seen a number of nice old color women about here since I came. But Elsie, will you tell me who taught you about Jesus and how long you've loved him? Ever since I can remember, replied the little girl earnestly, and it was dear old Mammy who first taught me how he suffered and died on the cross for us. Her eyes filled with tears and voice quivered with emotion. She used to talk to me about it just as soon as I could understand anything she continued, and then she would tell me that my dear old mama loved Jesus and had gone to be with him in heaven, and how when she was dying she put me, oh little wee baby, I was not quite a wee old into her arms and said, Mammy, take my dear little baby and love her and take care of her just as you did of me, and oh Mammy, be sure that you teach her to love God. Would you like to see my mama, Miss Allison? As she spoke, she drew from her bosom a miniature set in golden diamonds, which she wore suspended by a gold chain around her neck and put it in Rose's hand. It was the likeness of a young and blooming girl, not more than fifteen or sixteen years of age. She was very beautiful with a sweet gentle winning countenance, the same soft hazel eyes and golden brown curls that little Elsie possessed, the same regular features, pure complexion and sweet smile. Miss Allison gave that at a moment inside the admiration, then turning from it to the child with a puzzle expression, she said, but Elsie, I do not understand, are you not sister to Anna and the rest and is not Mrs. Dinsmore, your own mother to them all? Yes, ma'am, to all of them, but not to me, nor my papa. Their brother Horace is my papa, and so they are all my aunts and uncles. Indeed, said the lady amusingly, I thought she looked very unlike the rest, and your papa is away, is he not Elsie? Yes, ma'am, he's in Europe. He's been away almost ever since I was born. I've never seen him. Oh, how I do wish he would come home and how I long to see him. Do you think he would love me, Miss Allison? Do you think he would take me on his knee and pet me as grandpa does, Anna? I should thank you. What, dear? I don't know how he could help loving his own dear little girl, said the lady, again kissing the little rosy cheek. But now, she added rising, I must go away and let you learn your lesson. Then taking up the little Bible and turning over the leaves, she asked, would you like to come to my room sometime in the morning and evenings and read this book with me, Elsie? Oh, yes, ma'am, dearly, exclaimed the child, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. Come then this evening, if you like, and now goodbye for the present. And pressing another kiss on the child's cheek, she left her and went back to her own room, where she found her friend, Adelaide Dinsmore, a young lady near her own age and the eldest daughter of the family. Adelaide was seated on the sofa, busily employed with some fancy work. You see, I'm making myself quite at home, she said, looking up as Rose entered. I cannot imagine where you've been all this time. Can you not? In the school room, talking with little Elsie, do you know Adelaide? I thought she was your sister, but she tells me not. No, she is Horace's child. I suppose you knew, but if you do not, I may as just well tell you a whole story. Horace was a very wild boy, petted and spoiled, and always used to having his own way, and when he was about 17, quite a forward youth he was too. He must needs go to New Orleans to spend some months with a schoolmate, and there he met and felt desperately in love with a very beautiful girl a year or two younger than himself, an orphan and very wealthy. Fearing that objections would be made on the score of their youth, etc., etc., he persuaded her to consent to a private marriage, and they had been man and wife for some months before either her friends or his suspected it. Well, when it came at last to Papa's ears, he was very angry, both on account of their extreme youth, and because, as Elsie Grayson's father had made all his money by trade, he did not consider her quite my brother's equal, so he called Horace home and sent him north to college. Then he studied law, and since then he has been traveling in foreign lands. But to return to his wife, it seems that her guardian was quite as much opposed to the match's Papa, and the poor girl was made to believe that she could never see her husband again. All their letters were intercepted, and finally she was told that he was dead. So, as Aunt Clow says, she grew thin and pale and weak in melancholy, and while the little Elsie was not quite a week old, she died. We never saw her. She died in her guardian's house, and there the little Elsie stayed in charge of Aunt Clow, who was an old servant of the family, and had nursed her mother before her, and of the housekeeper, Mrs. Murray, a pious old Scotch woman, till about four years ago when her guardian's death broke up the family and they came to us. Horace never came home and does not seem to care for his child, for he's never mentioned her in his letters, except when it's necessary on the way of business. She's a dear little thing, said Rose. I'm sure he could not help loving her if he could only see her. Oh, yes, she is well enough, and I often feel sorry for the lonely little thing, but the truth is, I believe we are little jealous of her. She's so extremely beautiful and heirs to such an immense fortune. Mama often frets and says that one of these days she will quite eclipse her youngest daughter. But then, said Rose, she's almost as near her own granddaughter. No, she's not so very near, replied Adelaide, for Horace is not Mama's son. He was seven or eight years old when she married Papa, and I think she was never particularly fond of him. Ah, yes, that Rose, that explains it, poor little Elsie. No wonder you pine for your father's love and grieve over the loss of your mother you never knew. She's an odd child, said Adelaide. I don't understand her. She's so meek and patient. She will fairly let you trample upon her. It provokes Papa. He says she is no dense more, or she would know how to stand up for her own rights, and yet she has a temper. I know, for once in a great while it shows itself for an instant, only an instant, though, and at very long intervals, and then she grieves over it for days as though she'd committed some great crime, while the rest of us think nothing of getting angry half a dozen times in a day. And then she's forever pouring over that little Bible of hers. What she seems so attractive in it, I'm sure I cannot tell. For must say, I find it the dullest of dull books. Do you, said Rose, how strange! I'd rather give up all other books than that one. My testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. How sweet are thy words into my taste. Ye sweeter than honey to my mouth. Do you really love it, so rose? Asked Adelaide lifting her eyes to her friend's face with an expression of astonishment. Do tell me why. For it's exceeding great and precious promises, Adelaide, for its holy teachings, for its offers of peace and pardon and eternal life. I am a sinner, Adelaide, lust, ruin, helpless, hopeless. And the Bible brings me the glad news of salvation, offered as a free, unmayed gift. It tells me that Jesus died to save sinners. Just such sinners as I I find that I have a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. And the blessed Bible tells me how that heart can be renewed and where I can obtain that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. I find myself utterly unable to keep God's holy law and it tells me of one who has kept it for me. I find that I deserve the wrath and curse of a justly offended God and it tells me of him who has made a curse for me. I find that all my righteousness are as filthy ragged and it offers me the beautiful spotless robe of Christ's perfect righteousness. Yet it tells me that God can be just and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus. Rose spoke these words with deep emotion then suddenly clasping her hands and raising her eyes she exclaimed, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. For a moment there was silence then Adelaide spoke. Rose, she said, you talk as if you were a great sinner but I don't believe it. It is only your humility that makes you think so. Why, what have you ever done? Have you been a thief? A murderer? Or guilty of any other great crime? I can see the propriety of your using such language with regard to yourself but for a refined, intelligent, amiable young lady, excuse me for saying it, dear Rose, but such language seems to me simply absurd. Man, look upon the outward appearance but the Lord pondered the heart, said Rose gently. No, dear Adelaide, you are mistaken for I can truly say mine iniquities have gone over my head as a cloud and my transgressions as a thick cloud. Every duty has been stained with sin, every motive impure, every thought unholy. For my earliest existence God has required the undivided love of my whole heart, soul, strength, and mind, and mind, and so far from yielding it I live at enmity with Him in rebellion against His government until within the last two years. For seventeen years He has showered blessings upon me, giving me life, health, strength, friends, and all that is necessary for happiness and for fifteen years of those I returned Him nothing but ingratitude and rebellion. For fifteen years I rejected His offers and pardons and reconciliation, turning my back upon the Savior of sinners and resisted all the strivings of God's Holy Spirit, and will you say that I am not a great sinner? Her voice quivered and her eyes were full of tears. Dear Rose, said Adelaide, putting her arm around her friend and kissing her cheek affectionately, don't think of these things, religion is too gloomy for one so young as you. Gloomy, dear Adelaide, replied Rose, returning the embrace. I never knew what true happiness was until I found Jesus. My sins often made me sad, but religion never. Opt I walked beneath the cloud, dark as midnight's gloomy shroud, but when fear is at its height, Jesus comes and all is light. End of Chapter First Chapter Second, Part One 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. Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter Second, Part One Thy injuries would teach patience to blaspheme, yet still the art to dove, be a once-double marriage. When forced apart from those we love, though sure to meet tomorrow, we yet a kind of anguish prove and feel a touch of sorrow. But oh, what words can paint the fears when from these friends we sever, perhaps to part for months, for years, perhaps to part forever? Aynon When Miss Allison had gone and Elsie found herself once more quite alone, she rose from her chair and kneeling down with the open Bible before her. She poured out her story of sins and sorrows and simple childlike words into the ears of the dear Savior whom she loved so well, confessing that when she had done well and suffered for it, she had not taken it patiently and earnestly pleading that she might be made like unto the meek and lonely Jesus. Lo Sob's burst from her burdened heart and the tears of penitence fell upon the pages of the holy Book. But when she rose from her knees, her load of sin and sorrow was all gone and her heart made light and happy with a sweet sense of peace and pardon. Once again, as often before, the little Elsie was made to experience the blessedness of the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. She now set to work diligently on her studies and ere the party returned was quite prepared to meet Miss Day having attended faithfully to all she had required of her. The lesson was recited without the smallest mistake every figure of the examples worked out correctly and the page of the copy book neatly and carefully written. Miss Day had been in a very captious mood all day and seemed really provoked that Elsie had not given her the smallest excuse for fault finding. Handing the book back to her, she said very coley, I see you can do your duties well enough when you choose. Elsie felt keenly the injustice of the remark and longed to say that she had tried quite as earnestly in the morning but she resolutely crushed down the indignant feeling and calling to mind the rash words that had caused her so many repentant tears. She replied meekly, I am sorry I did not succeed better this morning Miss Day but I really did try and I am still more sorry for the saucy answer I gave you and I ask your pardon for it. You ought to be sorry, replied Miss Day severely, and I hope you are for it was very impudent speech indeed and deserving of a much more severe punishment than you received. Now go and never let me hear anything of the kind from you again. Poor little Elsie's eyes filled with tears at the ungracious words accompanied by a still more ungracious manner but she turned away without a word and placing her books and slate carefully on her desk left the room. Rose Allison was sitting alone in her room that evening thinking of her far distant home when hearing a gentle rap at her door she rose and opened it to find Elsie standing there with her little bible in her hand. Come in darling, she said stooping to give the little one a kiss. I am very glad to see you. I may stay with you for half an hour Miss Allison if you like, said the child sitting herself on a low ottoman pointed out by Rose and then Mammy is coming to put me to bed. It will be a very pleasant half hour to us both I hope replied Rose opening her bible. They read a chapter together Rose now and then pausing to make a few explanations and then kneeling down she offered up a prayer for the teachings of the spirit and for God's blessing on themselves and all their dear ones. Dear little Elsie she said holding a child in her arms when they had risen from their knees How I love you already and how very glad I am to find that there is one in this house besides myself who loves Jesus and loves to study his word and call upon his name. Yes dear Miss Allison and there is more than one for Mammy loves him too very dearly replied the little girl earnestly. Does she darling then I must love her too for I cannot help loving all those who love my sayer. Then Rose sat down and drawing the little girl to a seat on her knee they talked sweetly together of the race they were running and the prize they hoped to obtain at the end of it of the battle they were fighting and the invisible foes with whom they were called to struggle the armor that had been provided and of him who promised to be the captain of their salvation and to bring them off more than conquerors. They were pilgrims in the same straight and narrow way and it was very pleasant thus to walk a little while together. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord harkened and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before him and for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name and they shall be mine say the Lord of hosts and that day when I make up my jewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his own Son that serve with him. That is my mammy coming for me said Elsie as a low knock was heard at the door. Come in said Rose and the door opened and a very nice colored woman of middle age looking beautifully neat in her snow white apron and turban entered with a low curtsy asking is my little missus ready for bed now? Yes said Elsie jumping off Rose's lap but come here mammy I want to introduce you to Miss Allison. How do you do Aunt Clo? I am very glad to know you since Elsie tells me you are a servant of the same blessed master who I love and try to serve said Rose putting her small white hand cordially into Clo's desky one. Did I hope I is missus? replied Clo pressing it firmly in both of hers. I only a poor old black sinner but the good Lord Jesus he loves me just the same as if I was white and I love him and all his children with all my heart. Yes Aunt Clo said Rose he is our peace and hath made both one and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us so that we are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Yes missus that's it for sure old Clo knows that in the bible if we build on that breasted cornerstone we are safe everyone I has heard it many a time and it fills this old heart with joy and peace and believing. She exclaimed raising her tearful eyes and clasping her hands but good night missus I must put my child to bed. She added taking Elsie's hand. Good night Aunt Clo coming again said Rose and good night to you too dear little Elsie folding the little girl again in her arms. Ain't that a blessed young lady darling exclaimed Clo earnestly as she began the business of preparing her young charge for bed. Oh Mammy I love her so much she's so good and kind replied the child and she loves Jesus and loves to talk about him. She reminds me of your dear mama miss Elsie but she's not so handsome replied the nurse with a tear in her eye. Old Clo thinks there's never any lady so beautiful as her dear young missus was. Elsie drew out the miniature and kissed it murmuring dear darling mama then put it back in her bosom again for she always wore it day and night. She was standing in her white night dress the tiny white feet just peeping out from under it while Clo brushed back her curls and put on her nightcap. There now darling used ready for bed she exclaimed giving a child a hug and a kiss. No Mammy not quite replied the little girl and gliding away to the side of the bed she knelt down and offered up her evening prayer. Then coming back to the toilet table she opened her little bible saying now Mammy I'll read you a chapter while you are getting ready for bed. The room was large and airy and Aunt Clo who was never willing to leave her nursing but watched over her night and day with the most devoted affection slept in a cot bed in one corner. Thank you my dear young Mrs. used very good she said beginning the preparations for night by taking off her turban replacing it by a thick nightcap. When the chapter was finished Elsie got into bed saying now Mammy you may put out the light as soon as you please and be sure to call me early in the morning for I have a lesson to learn before breakfast. That I will darling replied the old woman spreading the covers carefully over her. Good night my pet your old Mammy hopes her child will have pleasant dreams. Rose Allison was an early riser and as the breakfast hour at Roselands was eight o'clock she always had an hour or two for reading before it was time to join the family circle. She had asked Elsie to come to her at half past seven and punctually at the hour the little girl's gentle wrap was heard at the door. Come in said Rose and Elsie entered looking as bright and fresh and rosy as the morning. She had her little bible under her arm in a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hand. Good morning dear Miss Allison. She said dropping a graceful curtsy as she presented it. I have come to read and I have just been out to gather these for you because I know you love flowers. Thank you darling they are very lovely. said Rose accepting the gift and bestowing a caress upon the giver. You are quite punctual she added and now we can have our half hour together before breakfast. The time was spent profitably and pleasantly and passing so quickly that they were both surprised when the breakfast bell rang. Miss Allison spent the whole fall and winter at Rose Ann's and it was very seldom during all that time that she and Elsie failed to have their morning and evening reading and prayer together. Rose was often made to wander at the depth of the little girl's piety and the knowledge of divine things she possessed. But Elsie had the best of teaching. Clough though entirely uneducated was a simple-minded earnest Christian and with a heart full of love to Jesus had, as we have seen, early endeavored to lead the little one to him. And Mrs. Murray, the housekeeper whom Adelaide mentioned and who had assisted Clough in the care of the child from time of her birth until a few months before Rose is coming. When she had suddenly been summoned to home to Scotland had proved a very faithful friend. She was an intelligent woman and devotely pious and had carefully instructed this lonely little one for whom she felt almost a pair in subsection and her efforts to bring her to a saving knowledge of Christ had been signally owned and blessed of God and in answer to her and his prayers the Holy Spirit had vouchsafed his teachings without which all human instruction must ever be in vain. And young as Elsie was she had already a very lonely and well-developed Christian character though not a remarkably precocious child in other respects she seemed to have very clear incorrect views on almost every subject connected with her duty to God and her neighbor was very truthful both in word and deed very strict in her observance of the Sabbath though the rest of the family were by no means particular in that respect very diligent in her studies respectful to superiors and kind to inferiors and equals she was very gentle sweet tempered patient and forgiving to a remarkable degree Rose had become strongly attached to her and the little girl fully returned her affection Elsie was very sensitive and affectionate and felt keenly the want of sympathy and love for which at the time of Rose's coming she had no one to look to you but poor old Khlo who loved her with all her heart it is true Adelaide sometimes treated her almost affectionately and Laura who had very strong sense of justice occasionally interfered and took her part when she was very unjustly accused but no one seemed really to care for her and she often felt sad and lonely Mr. Dinsmore though her own grandfather treated her with entire neglect seemed to not have the slightest affection for her and usually spoke of her as the old Grayson grandchild Mrs. Dinsmore really disliked her because she looked upon her as a child of a step zone for whom she never felt any affection and also as a future rival of her own children while the governess and the young members of the family following the example of their elders treated her with neglect and occasionally even with abuse Ms. Day knowing that she was in no danger incurring the displeasure of her superiors by doing so vented upon her all despite she dare not show on her other peoples and continually she was made to give up her toys and pleasures to Anna and even sometimes to Arthur and Walter it cost her struggle and had she possessed less of the ordinate of a meek and quiet spirit her life had been wretched indeed but in spite of all her trials and vexations little Elsie was the happiest person in the family for she had in her heart that peace which the world can either give nor take away that joy which the Savior gives to his own and no man taketh from them she constantly carried all her sorrows and troubles to him and the coldness and neglect of others seemed but to drive her near to the heavenly friend till she felt that while possessed of his love she could not be unhappy though treated with scorn and abuse by all the world the good are better made by ill the odors crushed are sweeter still and even so it seemed to be little Elsie her trials seemed to have only an effect of purifying and making more lovely her natural amiable character Elsie talked much and thought more of her absent and unknown father and long with an intensity of desire of her's return home it was her dream by day and by night that he had come that he had taken her to his heart calling her his own darling child his precious little Elsie for such were the loving epithets that she often heard lavished upon Anna and which were she longed to hear addressed to herself but for month to month then year to year the longed for return had been delayed until the little heart had grown sick with hope deferred and was often weary with almost hopeless waiting but to return Elsie said Adelaide as Miss Allison and the little girl entered the breakfast room on the morning after Elsie's disappointment and Miss Allison and I are going to ride out there this afternoon so if you're a good girl in school you may go with us oh thank you dear Aunt Adelaide exclaimed the little girl clapping her hands with delight how kind you are and I shall always be glad Miss Day frowned and looked as if she wanted to approve her for her noisy demonstration of delight but standing somewhat in awe of Adelaide said nothing but Elsie suddenly relapsed into silence for at that moment Mrs. Dinsmore entered the room and it was seldom that she could utter a word in her presence without being approved and told that children should be seen and not heard though her own were allowed to talk as much as they pleased Miss Day seemed cross Mrs. Dinsmore was moody and has turned complaining of headache and Mr. Dinsmore occupied with the morning paper and so the meal passed off in almost unbroken silence Elsie was glad when it was over and hastened to the school room she began her tasks without waiting for the arrival of the regular hour for study she had the room entirely to herself and had been busily engaged for half an hour and working out her examples when the opening of the door caused her to look up and to her dismay Arthur entered he did not however as she feared begin his customary course of teasing and tormenting but he did himself at his desk gleaning his head upon his hand and an attitude of detection Elsie wondered what ailed him his conduct was so unusual that she could not help every now and then and sending an inquiring glance toward him and at length she asked what is the matter Arthur nothing much said he gruffly turning his back to her thus repulsed she said no more but gave her undivided attention to her employment and so diligent was she that Miss Day had no excuse whatever for fault this morning her tasks were all completed within the required time and she enjoyed her promise ride with her aunt and Miss Allison and her visit to the fair very much indeed End of Chapter Second Part One Chapter Second Part Two 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 Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley Chapter Second Part Two It was still early when they returned inviting that she had nearly an hour to dispose of before tea time Elsie thought she would finish a drawing which she had left in her desk in the school room while searching for it in her pencil she heard Laura and Arthur's voice on the veranda She did not notice what they were saying until her own name struck her ear Elsie's only person Laura was saying who can and probably will help you for she has plenty of money and she's so kind and generous but if I were you I should be ashamed to ask for her after the way you acted toward her I wish I hadn't teased her so yesterday replied Arthur disconsolately but it's such fun I can't help it sometimes Well I know I wouldn't ask a favor if anybody had treated so said Laura walking away Elsie sat still a few moments working at her drawing and wondering all the time what it was Arthur wanted and thinking how glad she would be of an opportunity of returning him for good for evil She did not like it though to seek his confidence but presently hearing him heave a deep sigh she rose and went out on the veranda He was leaning on the railing in an attitude of dejection his head down and his eyes fixed on the floor She went up to him and laying her hand softly on his shoulder set in a sweet gentle tone natural to her What Elsie, Arthur can I do anything for you? I'll be very glad if I can No Yes He answered hesitatingly I wouldn't like to ask you after after Oh never mind said Elsie quickly I do not care anything about that now I had the ride today and that was better still because I went with Ann Adelaide and Miss Allison tell me what you want Thus encouraged Arthur replied I saw a beautiful little ship yesterday when I was in the city it was only five dollars and I sent my heart on having it but my pocket money is all gone and Papa won't give me a cent until next month's allowance is due and by that time the ship will be gone for such a beauty somebody will be sure to buy it Won't your mama buy it for you? asked Elsie No, she says she hasn't money to spare just now you know it's near the end of the month and they spent all their allowances except Louise and she says she'll not lend her money to such a spendthrift as I am Elsie drew her purse and seemed just about to put it in his hand but apparently changing her mind she said take it a moment and then returning to her pocket said with a half smile I don't know, Arthur five dollars is a good deal for a little girl like me to lay out I must think of it a little I don't ask you to give it he replied scornfully I'll pay it back in two weeks Well, I will see by tomorrow morning she said darting away while he sent an angry glance after her mudding the words to knee between his teeth Elsie ran down to the kitchen and asking one and another the servants that she passed Where's Pompey? The last time she put the question to Phoebe the cook but was answered by Pompey himself Here I'm bomb, Miss Elsie What does little Missy want with this child? Are you going to the city tonight Pompey? Yes, Miss Elsie I've got some errands to do for Mrs and the family general and I've been going to start about 10 minutes Little Missy wants something, eh? Elsie motioned to him to come close to her and then putting her purse in his hand she told him in a whisper of Arthur's wish and directed him to purchase the coveted toy and bring it to her, if possible without letting anyone else know anything about it and keep half a dollar for yourself, Pompey, to pay you for your trouble she added in conclusion Thank you, little Missy here applied with a broad grant of satisfaction to be very good pay and pomp and demand to do this business up for you about right The table rang and Elsie hastened to wait to answer the summons She looked across the table of Arthur with a pleasant smile on her countenance but he averted his eyes with an angry scowl and with a slight sigh turned away her head and did not look at him again during the meal Pompey executed his commission faithfully when Elsie returned to her own room after evening hour with Miss Rose Cleo pointed at a little ship standing on the mantle Oh, it's a little beauty you required Elsie clapping her hands and dancing up and down with the light Oh, Arthur will be pleased Now, Mammy can you take it to the squirrel and put it on Master's Arthur's desk without anybody seeing you Oh, Cleo, try, darling she said and taking it in her hands Oh, wait, one moment exclaimed Elsie and taking a card she wrote on it a present to Arthur from his niece, Elsie then laying it on the deck on the little vessel There, Mammy, she said I think that'll do but please look out for us to see whether it was in the hall Coast was all clear, darling replied Cleo after a careful silverway All the children in the bed before this time I spec and taking the candle in one hand and the little ship in the other she started for the school room She soon returned with a brawn grin of satisfaction on her black face saying, all right, darling I put him on Master Arthur's desk and nobody's deviser So Elsie went to bed very happy in the thought of the pleasure Arthur would be in receiving his present She was hurrying down to the breakfast room the next morning a little in advance of Miss Rose who had stopped to speak to Adelaide when Arthur came running behind her having just come in by a side door from the garden and seizing her around the ways he said, thank you Elsie you are a good girl she sails beautifully I've been trying her on the pond but it mustn't be a present you must let me pay you back when I get my allowance oh no Arthur that would spoil it all she said quickly you are entirely welcome and you know my allowance is so large I have the time I have more money than I know how to spend I should like to see the time that that would come to case with me said he laughing then in a lower tone Elsie I'm sorry I teased you so I'll not do it again Elsie answered him with a grateful look as she stepped past him and quietly took her place at the table Arthur kept his word and for many weeks entirely refrained from teasing Elsie and while freed from that annoyance she always was able to have her task thoroughly prepared and though her governess was often unreasonable and exacting and there was scarcely a day in which she was not called upon to yield her wishes or displeasures or in some way inconvenience herself to please Walter or Anna or occasionally the older members of the family yet it was unusually happy winter for her for Rose Alison's love of uniform kindness shed sunshine on her path she had already learned to yield readily to others and when friended or saddened by unjust or unkind treatment a few moments alone with her precious bible and her love savior made all right again and she would come from those sweet communings looking as serenely and happy as if she'd never known an annoyance she was a wonder to all the family her grandfather would sometimes look at her as without a frown or pout she'd give up her own wishes to Anna and shaking his head say she's no dense more or she would know how to stand up for her own rights better than that I don't like such a tame spirited people she's not horses child it never was an easy matter to impose upon or conquer him he was a boy of spirit what a strange child Elsie is Adelaide remarked to her friend one day I'm often surprised to see how sweetly she gives up to all of us really she has a lovely temper I quite envy her it was always hard for me to give up my own way I do not believe it was easy for her at first said Rose I think her sweet disposition is the fruit of a work of grace in her heart is the ornament of a meagre and quiet spirit which God only can bestow I wish I had it then said Adelaide saying oh you only have to go the right source to obtain it dear Adelaide replied her friend gently and yet said Adelaide I must sometimes think that as Papa says there is something mean spirited and cowardly and always giving up to other people it would indeed be cowardly and wrong to give a principal replied Rose but surely it is noble and generous to give up our own wishes to another or no principal is involved certainly you are right said Adelaide musingly and now I recollect that readily as Elsie gives up her own wishes to others in ordinary occasions I've never known her to sacrifice principal but on the contrary she has several times made Mama aggressively angry by refusing to romp and play with Anna on the Sabbath or to deceive Papa when questioned with regard with some of Arthur's misdeeds yet she is often born the blame of his faults when she might have escaped by telling him Elsie is certainly very different from any of the rest of us and if it is Piety that makes her what she is I think Piety is a very lovely thing Elsie's mornings were spent in the school room in the afternoon she walked or rode out sometimes in company with her young aunts and uncles and sometimes alone a Negro boy falling at a respectable distance as a protector in the evenings there was almost always a company in the parlor and she found it pleasant her to sit side the bright wood fire in her own room with her fond old nurse for a companion than to stay there or with the younger ones in the sitting room or nursery if she had no lesson to learn she usually read out loud to Khloé as she sat knitting by the fire and the Bible was the book generally preferred by both and then when she grew weary reading she'd often take a stool and sit down close to Khloé put her head in her lap saying now Mammy tell me about Mama and for the hundredth time or more the old woman would go over the story of the life and death of her dear young Mrs and she always called her telling her of her beauty her goodness and her sorrows and suffering in the last year for short life it was a story which never lost its charm for Elsie a story which one never worried of telling nor other hearing Elsie would sit listening with her mother's miniature in her hand gazing at it with tearful eyes and then press it to her lips murmuring my own mama poor dear mama and when Khloé had finished her story she would usually say now Mammy tell me about Papa but upon this subject Khloé had very little information to give she only knew him as a gay handsome young stranger whom she had seen occasionally during a few months who had stolen all the sunshine from her beloved mistress's life and left her to die alone yet she did not blame him when speaking to his child for the young wife and told her that he'd not forsaken her of his own free choice and though she cannot quite banish from her own mind the idea that he had not been altogether innocent in the matter she breathed no hint of it to Elsie for Khloé was a sensible woman and knew that to lead the little one to think ill of her only remaining parent would but tend to make her unhappy sometimes Elsie would ask very earnestly do you think Papa loves Jesus Mammy? and Khloé would reply with a doubtful shake of her head don't know darling but oh Khloé prays for him every day and so do I Elsie would answer dear dear Papa how I wish he would come home and so the winter glided away and spring came and this Alison must soon return home it was now the last day of March and her departure had been fixed for the second of April for a number of weeks Elsie had been engaged during all her spare moments and knitting a purse for Rose wishing to give her something which was the work of her own hands knowing that as such it would be more prized by her friend than a costlier gift she had just returned from her afternoon ride and taking out her work she sat down to finish it she was in her own room with no companion but Khloé who sat beside her knitting as usual Elsie worked on silently for some time then suddenly holding up her purse she exclaimed see Mammy it is all done but putting on the tassel isn't it pretty and won't Jim as Alison be pleased with it it really was very pretty indeed of crimson and gold and beautiful knit and Khloé looking at it with admiring eyes said I suspect she will darling I think it is very handsome at this moment Anna opened the door and came in Elsie hastily attempted to conceal the purse by thrusting it into her pocket but it was too late for Anna had seen it and running toward her cried out now Elsie just give that to me no Anna replied Elsie mildly I cannot let you have it because it's for Miss Rose I will have it exclaimed the child resolutely and if you don't give it to me at once I shall just go and tell mama I will let you take it in your hand a few moments and look at it if you'll be careful not to soil it Anna said Elsie in the same gentle tone and if you wish I will get some more silk and beads and make you one just like it but I cannot give you this because I would not have time to make another for Miss Rose no I shall have that one and I shall have it to keep so Anna attempting to snatch it out of Elsie's hand but Elsie held it up out of her reach and trying several times in vain to get it Anna left the room crying and screaming with passion Claude locked the door saying great pity darling we forgot to do that for Miss Anna came as afraid she's gone bring up misses for make you give them up Elsie sat down her work again but she was very pale and her little hands trembled with agitation and her soft eyes were full of tears Claude's fears were too well founded for the next moment hastily steps were heard in the passage and the hand of the door was laid hold of with no very gentle grasp and then as a refute to yield to her touch Miss Dinsmore's voice was heard in an angry tone giving the command open this door instantly Claude looked at her young mistress you'll have to said Elsie cheerfully slipping her work into her pocket again and lifting up her heart and prayer for patience and meekness for she knew she would have need of both Miss Dinsmore entered leading the sobbing Anna by her hand her face was flushed with passion and in dressing Elsie in tones of violent anger she asked what is the meaning of all this you good for nothing I see are you always tormenting this poor child whereas that paltry trifle that's all fuss is about let me see at this instant Elsie drew the purse from her pocket saying in terrible trembling tones it's the purse that was making for Miss Rose ma'am and I offered to make another just like it for Anna but I cannot give her this one because there would not be time to make another before Miss Rose goes away you cannot give it to her indeed you will not you mean but I say you shall and I'll see if I'm not mistress in my own house give it to the child this instant I'll not have her crying her eyes out that you may be humored in all your whims there are plenty of handsomer ones to be had in the city and if you're too mean to make her present of it I'll buy you another tomorrow but that would not be my work and this is replied Elsie still retaining the purse Loth let it go nonsense what different will it make to Miss Rose than Miss Dinsmore and snatching it out of her hand gave it to Anna saying there my pet you shall have it Elsie the naughty mean stingy girl but she shan't play to you while your mom is about Anna cast a look of triumph at Elsie and ran off with her prize followed by her mother while poor Elsie hit her face in closed lap and cried bitterly it required all close religion to keep down her anger and indignation at this unjust and cruel treatment of her darling and for a few moments she allowed her to sob and cry without a word only soothing her with mute caresses not daring to trust her voice lest her anger should find vent in words but at length when her feelings had grown somewhat calmer she said soothingly never mind it my poor darling child just go to this city and buy the prettiest purse you can find for Miss Rose but Elsie shook her head sadly I wanted it to be my own work she sobbed and now there's no time oh I'll tell you what my pet exclaimed close suddenly there's the purse you wasn't knitting for your papa and they wouldn't send it for you you can get that done for the lady and knit another for your papa before he comes home Elsie raised her head with a look of relief but her face clouded again as she replied but it is not quite done and I haven't the beads to finish it with and this rose goes day after tomorrow never mind that darling said clothes jumping up pump he'd been going to the city just very afternoon and we'll tell him to buy the beads and then you can get the purse finished for tomorrow night and the lady won't go till the day next and so it going to be all right oh yes that will do dear old mammy I'm so glad you thought of it said Elsie joyfully in rising she went to her bureau and unlocking drawer took from it a bead purse of blue and gold quite as handsome as the one of which she had been so ruthlessly despoiled and rolling up in a piece of paper she handed it to Chloe saying there mammy please give it to Pomp and tell him to match the beads in the silk exactly Chloe hastened in search of Pomp but when she found him he insisted that he should not have time to attend to Mrs. Elsie's commission and do his other errands and Chloe knowing that he in common with all the other servants was very fond of the little girl felt satisfied that was not merely an excuse therefore did not urge her request she stood a moment in great complexity then suddenly exclaimed I'll go myself Ms. Elsie will spare me and I'll go right along with you Pomp Chloe was entirely Elsie's servant having no other business than to wait upon her and take care of her clothing in her room and the little girl of course readily gave her permission to accompany Pomp and do the errand but it was quite late Air Chloe returned and the little girl spent the evening alone in her own room she was sadly disappointed that she can't even have her hour with Ms. Rose who was detained in the parlor with company whom she could not leave and so the evening seemed very long and wore away very slowly but at last Chloe came and in answer to her eager inquiries displayed her purchase with great satisfaction saying yes darling I've got the very things you wanted oh yes said Elsie examining them with delight they are just right and now I can finish in a couple of hours time to get ready for bed now ain't it pet asked Chloe but with a little girl had time to answer a servant knocked at the door and handing in a note for her was from Ms. Allison and hastily tearing it open she read dear Elsie I'm very sorry that we cannot have our reading together this evening but be sure darling to come to me early in the morning it'll be our last opportunity for dear child I have another disappointment for you I had not expected to leave before a day after tomorrow but I've learned this evening that the vessel sales a day sooner than I had supposed and therefore I shall be obliged to start on my journey tomorrow your friend Rose Elsie dropped a note on the floor and burst into tears what the matter darling asked Chloe anxiously oh Miss Rose dear dear Miss Rose is going tomorrow she sobbed then hastily drying her tears she said but I have no time for crying I must have been finished the purse tonight because there'll be no time tomorrow it was long past your usual hour for retiring when it last her task or rather her labor of love was completed yet she was up bedtime and at the usual hour her gentle rap was heard at Mrs. Allison's door Rose clasped her arms and kissed her tenderly oh Miss Rose dear dear Miss Rose what shall I do without you sub little girl I shall have nobody to love me but Mammy you'll have another and better friend dear Elsie who has said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee whispered Rose with another tender churris yes said Elsie wipe away her tears and he is your friend too and don't you think Miss Rose he'll bring us together again someday I hope so indeed darling we must keep very close to him dear Elsie we must often commune with him in secret often study his word and try always to do his will ah dear child if we could only have the assurance that the dear friend is with us that we have this presence and his love we shall be supremely happy though separated from all earthy friends I know dear little one that you have peculiar trials and that you often feel the want of sympathy and love but you may always find them in Jesus and now we will have our reading and prayers usual she took the little girl in her lap and opening the Bible read aloud from the 14th chapter of John a part of that touching for a while up our Savior to his sorrowing disciples and then they knelt to pray Elsie was only a listener for her little heart was too full to allow her to be anything more my poor darling Rose said again taking her in her arms we will hope to meet again before very long who knows but your papa may come home and someday bring you to see me it seems not unlikely as he's so fond of traveling Elsie looked up smiling through her tears oh how delightful that would be she said but it seems as though my papa would never come she added with a deep draw sigh well darling we could hope rose answered cheerfully and dear child though we must be separated in body for a time we can still meet in spirit at the mercy seat shall we not do this at this hour every morning Elsie gave a joyful ascent and I'll should write to you darling Rose said I will write on my journey if I can so that you will get the letter in a week from the time I leave and then you must write to me will you if you won't care for the mistakes this rose but you know I am a very little girl and I wouldn't like to let me stay read my letter to you and correct it but I shall be very glad to get yours I never had a letter in my life I shan't care for my stakes at all dear and no one shall see your letters but myself said Rose kissing her I should be as sorry as you to have misday look at them Elsie drew out the purse and put it in her friend's hand saying it's all my own work dear Miss Rose I thought you would value it more for that and indeed I shall darling replied Rose with tears and pleasure of her eyes it is beautiful in itself but I shall value it ten times more because it is your gift in the work of your own dear little hands but the breakfast bell now summoned them to do the rest of the family and in a few moments after they left the table the carriage which was to take Rose to the city was at the door Rose had endeared herself to all old and young and they were loath to part with her one after another bade her unaffectionate farewell Elsie was the last Rose pressed her tenderly to her bosom and kissed her again and again saying in a voice half choked with grief God bless and keep you my poor little darling my dear dear little Elsie Elsie could not speak and the moment the carriage had rolled away with her friend she went to her own room and locking herself in cried long and bitterly she had learned to love Rose very dearly and to lean upon her very much and now the parting from her with no certainty of ever meeting her again in this world was the severest child the poor child had ever known end of chapter second part two chapter third 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 Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley chapter third the morning blush was lighted up by hope the hope of meeting him Miss Landon unkindness do thy office poor heart break a week had now passed away since Miss Allison's departure and Elsie to whom it had been a sad and lonely one was beginning to look eagerly for her first letter it is just a week today since Rose left remarked Adelaide at the breakfast table and I think we ought to hear from her soon she promised to write on her journey ah here comes pump with the letters now she added as the servant man entered the room bearing in his hand the bag in which he always brought the letters of the family from the office in the neighboring city wither he was sent every morning pump you are late this morning said mrs. Dinsmore yes mrs. replied the negro scratching his head the horses and very lazy speck days got to spring fever do make haste papa and see if there is not one from rose said Adelaide coaxingly as her father took the bag and very deliberately adjusted his spectacles before opening it have patience young lady said he yes here is a letter for you and one for Elsie tossing them across the table as he spoke Elsie eagerly seized hers and ran away to her own room to read it it was a feast to her this first letter and from such a dear friend to it gave her almost as much pleasure for the moment as mrs. Rose's presence could have afforded she had just finished its perusal and was beginning it again when she heard Adelaide's voice calling her by name and the next moment she entered the room saying well Elsie I suppose you have read your letter and now I have another piece of news for you can you guess what it is she asked looking at her with a strange smile oh no aunt Adelaide please tell me is dear miss rose coming back oh nonsense what a guess said Adelaide no stranger than that my brother Horace your papa has actually sailed for America and is coming directly home Elsie spraying up her cheeks flushed and her little heart beating wildly oh and Adelaide she cried is it really true is he coming and will he be here soon he has really started at last but how soon he will be here I don't know replied her aunt turning to leave the room I have told you all I know about it Elsie clasped her hands together and sank down upon a sofa miss roses letter prized so highly a moment before lying unheeded at her feet for her thoughts were far away following that unknown parent as he crossed the ocean trying to imagine how he would look how he would speak what would be his feelings toward her oh she asked with a beating heart will he love me my own papa will he let me love him will he take me in his arms and call me his own darling child but who could answer the anxious inquiry she must just wait until the slow wheels of time should bring the much longed for yet sometimes half-dreaded arrival Elsie's lessons were but indifferently recited that morning and miss Dave frowned and said in a tone of severity that it did not agree with her to receive letters and that unless she wished her papa to be much displeased with her on his expected arrival she must do a great deal better than that she had touched the right chord then for Elsie intensely anxious to please that unknown father and if possible gain his approbation and affection gave her whole mind to her studies with such a determined purpose that the governess could find no more cause for complaint but while the child is looking forward to the expected meeting with such a longing affection for him how is it with the father for a stinsmore was like his father an upright moral man who paid an outward respect to the forms of religion but cared nothing for the vital power of godliness trusted entirely to his morality and looked upon Christians as hypocrites and deceivers he had been told that his little Elsie was one of these and though he would not have acknowledged it even to himself it had prejudiced him against her then too in common with all the dinsmores he had a great deal of family pride and though old mr. Grayson had been a man of sterling worth intelligent honest and pious and had died very wealthy yet because he was known to have begun life as a poor boy the whole family were accustomed to speak as though Horace had stooped very much in marrying his heiress and Horace himself had come to look upon his early marriage as a piece of boyish folly of which he was rather ashamed and so constantly had mr. Dinsmore spoken in his letters of Elsie as gold Grayson's grandchild that he had gotten to the habit of looking upon her as a kind of disgrace to him especially as she had always been described to him as a disagreeable troublesome child he had loved his wife with all the warmth of his passionate nature and had mourned bitterly over her untimely death but years of study travel and worldly pleasures had almost banished her image from his mind and he seldom thought of her except in connection with the child for whom he felt a secret dislike scarcely anything but the expected arrival was now spoken or thought of at Roselands and Elsie was not the only one to whom old time seemed to move with an unusually laggard pace but at length the letter came telling them that they might look upon it as being but one day in advance of its rider and now all was bustle in preparation oh mammy mammy exclaimed Elsie jumping up and down and clapping her hands for joy as she came in from her afternoon ride just think papa dear papa will be here tomorrow morning she seemed wild with delight but suddenly sobered down and a look of care stole over the little face as the torturing question recurred to her mind will he love me she stood quite still with her eyes fixed thoughtfully and almost sadly upon the floor while Chloe took off her riding dress and cap and smoothed her hair as she finished arranging her dress she clasped the little form in her arms and pressed a fond kiss on the fair brow thinking to herself that it was the sweetest and loveliest little face that she had ever looked upon just at that moment an unusual bustle was heard in the house Elsie started changed color and stood listening with a throbbing heart presently little feet were heard running rapidly down the hall and Walter throwing open the door called out Elsie he's come and catching her hand hurried her along to the parlor door stop stop Walter she gassed as they reached it and she leaned against the wall her heart throbbing so wildly she could scarcely breathe what is the matter said he are you ill come along and pushing the door open he rushed in dragging her after him so overwrought where the child's feelings that she nearly fainted everything in the room seemed to be turning round and for an instant she scarcely knew where she was but a strange voice asked and who is this and looking up as her grandfather pronounced her name she saw a stranger standing before her very handsome and very youthful looking in spite of a heavy dark beard and mustache who exclaimed hastily what this great girl my child really it is enough to make a man feel old then taking her hand he stooped and coldly kissed her lips she was trembling violently and the very depth of her feelings kept her silent and still her hand lay still in his cold and clammy he held it an instant at the same time gazing searchingly into her face then dropped it saying in a tone of displeasure i am not an ogre that you need to be so afraid of me but there you may go i will not keep you in terror any longer she rushed away to her own room and there throwing herself upon the bed wept long and wildly it was the disappointment of a lifelong hope since her earliest recollection she had looked and longed for this hour and it seemed as though the little heart would break with its weight of bitter anguish she was all alone for chloe had gone to the kitchen to talk over the arrival not doubting that her darling was supremely happy in the possession of her long looked for parent and so the little girl lay there with her crushed and bleeding heart sobbing mourning weeping as though she would weep her very life away without an earthly friend to speak one word of comfort oh papa papa she sobbed my own papa you do not love me me your own little girl oh my heart will break oh mama mama if i could only go to you for there is no one here to love me and i am so lonely oh so lonely and desolate and thus chloe found her when she came in an hour later weeping and sobbing out such broken exclamations of grief and anguish she was much surprised but comprehending at once how her child was suffering she raised her up in her strong arms and laying the little head lovingly against her bosom she smoothed the tangled hair kissed the tear swollen eyes and based the throbbing temples saying my precious pet my darling child your old mommy loves you better than life and did my darling forget the almighty friend that says i have loved thee with an everlasting love and i will never leave thee nor forsake thee he sticks closer than a brother precious child and says though a woman forget her sucking child he will not forget his chilling mother's love dare chillens better than father's darlin and so you see jesus's love is better than all other love and i knows you he's got dad oh mommy ask him to take me to himself and to mama for oh i am very lonely and i want to die hush hush darlin old chloe never could ask dad this old heart would break for sure use all the world to your old mommy darlin and you know we must all wait the lord's time then ask him to help me to be patient she said in a weary tone and oh mommy she added with a burst of bitter tears ask him to make my father love me i will darlin i will sobred chloe pressing little form closer to her heart and don't you go for to be discouraged right away for i sure massahorus must love you for long the tea bell rang and the family gathered about the table but one chair remained unoccupied where is miss elsie asked adelaide of one of the servants don't know mrs was the reply well then go and see said adelaide perhaps she did not hear the bell the servant returned in a moment saying that miss elsie had a bad headache and did not want any supper mr. horris densmore paused in the conversation he was carrying on with his father to listen to the servants announcement i hope she is not a sickly child said he addressing adelaide is she subject to such attacks not very replied his sister dryly for she had seen the meeting and felt really sorry for elsie's evident disappointment i imagine crying has brought this on he colored violently and said in a tone of great displeasure truly the return of a parent is a cause for grief yet i hardly expected my presence to be quite so distressing to my only child i had no idea that she had already learned to dislike me so thoroughly she doesn't said adelaide she has been looking and longing for your return ever since i have known her then she has certainly been disappointed in me her grief is not at all complimentary explain it as you will adelaide made no reply for she saw that he was determined to put an unfavorable construction upon elsie's conduct and feared that any defense she could offer would only increase his displeasure it was a weary aching head the little girl laid upon her pillow that night and the little heart was sad and sore yet she was not altogether comfortless for she had turned in her sorrow to him who has said suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not and she had the sweetest assurance of his love and favor it was with a trembling heart hoping yet fearing longing and yet dreading to see her father that elsie descended to the breakfast room the next morning she glanced timidly around but he was not there where is papa and adelaide she asked he is not coming down to breakfast as he feels quite fatigued with his journey replied her aunt and so you will not see him this morning and perhaps not at all today for there will be a good deal of company here this afternoon and evening elsie sighed and looked sadly disappointed she found it very difficult to attend to her lessons that morning and every time the door opened she started and looked up half hoping it might be her papa but he did not come and when the dinner hour arrived the children were told that they were to dine in the nursery on account of the large number of guests to be entertained in the dining room the company remained until bedtime she was not called down to the parlor and so saw nothing of her father that day but the next morning chloe told her the children were to breakfast with the family as all the visitors had left accepting one or two gentlemen so elsie went down to the breakfast room where to her surprise she found her papa sitting alone reading the morning paper he looked up as she entered good morning papa she said in half trembling tones he started a little for it was the first time he had ever been addressed by that title and it sounded strange to his ears gave her a glance of mingled curiosity and interest half held out his hand but drawing it back again simply said good morning elsie and returned to his paper elsie stood irresolutely in the middle of the floor wanting yet not daring to go to him but just at that instant the door opened and enna looking rosy and happy came running in and rushing up to her brother climbed upon his knee and put her arms around his neck saying good morning brother horris i want to kiss you shall have it little pet said he throwing down his paper then kissing her several times and hugging her in his arms he said you are not afraid of me are you nor sorry that i have come home no indeed said enna he glanced at elsie as she stood looking at them her large soft eyes full of tears she could not help feeling that enna had her place and was receiving the caresses that should have been lavished upon herself jealous thought her father i cannot bear jealous people and he gave her a look of displeasure that cut her to the heart and she turned quickly away and left the room to hide the tears she could no longer keep back i am envious she thought jealous of enna oh how wicked and she prayed silently dear savior help me take away these sinful feelings young as she was she was learning to have some control over her feelings and in a few moments she had so far recovered her composure as to be able to return to the breakfast room and take her place at the table where the rest were already seated her sweet little face sad indeed and bearing the traces of tears but quite calm and peaceful her father took no further notice of her and she did not dare trust herself to look at him the servants filled her plate and she ate in silence feeling it a great relief that all were too busily engaged in talking and eating to pay any attention to her she scarcely raised her eyes from her plate and did not know how often a strange gentleman who sat nearly opposite fixed his upon her as she left the room at the conclusion of the meal he asked while following her with his eyes is that one of your sister's dinsmore no said he coloring slightly she is my daughter ah indeed said his friend i remember to have heard that you had a child but had forgotten it well you have no reason to be ashamed of her she is lovely perfectly lovely has the sweetest little face i ever saw will you ride travilla asked mr. dinsmore hastily as though anxious to change the subject i don't care if i do was the reply and they went out together some hours later in the day elsie was at the piano in the music room practicing when a sudden feeling that someone was in the room caused her to turn and look behind her mr. travilla was standing there excuse me said he bowing politely but i heard the sound of the instrument and being very fond of music i ventured to walk in elsie was very modest and rather timid too but also very polite so she said no excuses necessary but will you not take a seat sir though i fear my music will not afford you any pleasure for you know i am only a little girl and cannot play very well yet thank you said he taking a seat by her side and now will you do me the favor to repeat the song i heard you singing a few moments since elsie immediately complied though her cheeks burned and her voice trembled at first from embarrassment but it grew stronger as she proceeded and in the last verse was quite steady and full she had a very fine voice for a child of her age its sweetness was remarkable both in singing and speaking and she had also a good deal of musical talent which had been well cultivated for she had had good teachers and had practiced with great patience and perseverance her music was simple as suited her years but her performance of it was very good indeed mr. travilla thanked her very heartily and complimented her singing then asked for another and another song another and another piece chatting with her about each until they grew quite familiar and elsie lost all feeling of embarrassment elsie i think is your name is it not he asked after a little yes sir said she elsie dinsmore and you are the daughter of my friend mr. horris dinsmore yes sir your papa has been absent a long time and i suppose you must have quite forgotten him no sir not forgotten for i never had seen him indeed said he in a tone of surprise then since he is an entire stranger to you i suppose you cannot have much affection for him elsie raised her large dark eyes to his face with an expression of astonishment not love papa my own dear papa who has no child but me oh sir how could you think that ah i see i was mistaken said he smiling i thought you could hardly care for him at all but do you think that he loves you elsie dropped her face into her hands and burst into an agony of tears the young gentleman looked extremely vexed with himself my poor little girl my poor dear little girl he said stroking her hair forgive me i am very very sorry for my thoughtless question do be comforted my poor child for whether your papa loves you now or not i am quite sure he soon will elsie now dried her tears rose and closed the instrument he assisted her and then asked if she would not take a little walk with him in the garden she complied and feeling really very sorry for the wound he had so thoughtlessly inflicted as well as interested in his little companion he exerted all his powers to entertain her talked with her about the plants and flowers described those he had seen in foreign lands and related incidents of travel usually choosing those in which her father had borne apart because he perceived that they were doubly interesting to her elsie having been thrown very much upon her own resources for amusement and having a natural love for books and constant access to her grandfather's well-stocked library had read many more and with much more thought than most children of her age so that mr. travilla found her a not uninteresting companion and was often surprised at the intelligence shown by her questions and replies when the dinner bell rang he led her in and seated her by himself and never was any lady more carefully waited upon than little elsie at this meal two or three other gentlemen guests were present giving their attention to the older ladies of the company and thus mr. travilla seemed to feel quite at liberty to devote himself entirely to her attending to all her wants talking with her and making her talk elsie now and then stole a glance at mrs. dinsmore fearing her displeasure but to her great relief the lady seemed too much occupied to notice her once she looked timidly at her father and her eyes met his he was looking at her with an expression half curious half amused she was at a loss to understand the look but satisfied that there was no displeasure in it her heart grew light and her cheeks flushed with happiness really dinsmore said mr. travilla as they stood together near one of the windows in the drying room soon after dinner your little girl is remarkably intelligent as well as remarkably pretty and i have discovered that she has quite a good deal of musical talent indeed i think it is quite a pity that she does not belong to you travilla instead of me since you seem to appreciate her so much more highly said the father laughing i wish she did said his friend but seriously dinsmore you ought to love that child for she certainly loves you devotedly he looked surprised how do you know he asked it was evident enough from what i saw and heard this morning dinsmore she would value a caress from you more than the richest jewel doubtful replied horris hastily quitting the room for elsie had come out onto the portico in her riding suit and jim her usual attendant was bringing up her horse are you going to ride elsie asked her father coming up to her yes papa she said raising her eyes to his face he lifted her in his arms and placed her on the horse saying to the servant as he did so now jim you must take good care of my little girl tears of happiness rose in elsie's eyes as she turned her horse's head and rode down the avenue he called me his little girl she murmured to herself and made jim take good care of me oh he will love me soon as good kind mr. travilla said he would her father was still standing on the portico looking after her how well she sits her horse remarked travilla who had stepped out and stood close by his side yes i think she does was the reply in an absent tone he was thinking of a time some eight or nine years before when he had assisted another elsie to mount her horse and had ridden for hours at her side all the afternoon memories of the past came crowding thickly on his mind and an emotion of tenderness began to spring up in his heart toward the child of her who had once been so dear to him and as he saw the little girl ride up to the house on her return he again went out and lifting her from her horse asked kindly had you a pleasant ride my dear oh yes papa very pleasant she said looking up at him with a face beaming with delight he stooped and kissed her saying i think i shall ride with you one of these days should you like it oh so very very much papa she answered eagerly he smiled at her earnestness and she hastened away to her room to change her dress and tell chloe of her happiness alas it was but a transient gleam of sunshine that darted across her path to be lost again almost instantly behind the gathering clouds more company came so that the drawing room was quite full in the evening and though elsie was there her father seemed too much occupied with the guests to give her even a glance she sat alone and unnoticed in a corner her eyes following him wherever he moved and her ear strained to catch every tone of his voice until mr. trevilla disengaging himself from a group of ladies and gentlemen on the opposite side of the room came up to her and taking her by the hand led her to a pleasant looking elderly lady who sat at a center table examining some choice engravings which mr. dinsmore had brought with him from europe mother said mr. trevilla this is my little friend elsie ah said she giving the little girl a kiss i am glad to see you my dear mr trevilla set a chair for her close to his mother and then sat down on her other side and taking up the engravings one after another he explained them to her in a most entertaining manner generally having some anecdote to tell in connection with each elsie was so much amused and delighted with what he was saying that she at last quite forgot her father and did not notice where he was suddenly mr trevilla laid down the engraving he had in his hand saying come miss elsie i want my mother to hear you play and sing will you not do me the favor to repeat that song i admired so much this morning oh mr trevilla exclaimed the little girl blushing and trembling i could not play or sing before so many people please excuse me elsie said her father's voice just at her side go immediately and do as the gentleman requests his voice was very stern and as she lifted her eyes to his face she saw that his look was still more so and tremblingly and fearfully she rose to obey stay said mr trevilla kindly pitying her distress i withdraw my request but i do not withdraw my command said her father in the same stern tone go at once elsie and do as i bid you she obeyed instantly struggling hard to overcome her emotion mr trevilla scolding himself inwardly all the time for having brought her into such trouble selected her music and placing it before her as she took her seat at the instrument whispered encouragingly now miss elsie only have confidence in yourself that is all that is necessary to your success but elsie was not only embarrassed but her heart was well nigh broken by her father's sternness and the tears would fill her eyes so that she could see neither notes nor words she attempted to play the prelude but blundered badly her embarrassment increasing every moment nevermind said mr trevilla nevermind the prelude but just begin the song she made the attempt but fairly broke down and burst into tears before she had got through the first verse her father had come up behind her and was standing there looking much mortified elsie he said leaning down and speaking in a low stern tone close to her ear i am ashamed of you go to your room and to your bed immediately with a heart almost bursting with grief and mortification she obeyed him and her pillow was wet with many bitter tears air the weary eyes closed in slumber when she came down the next morning she learned to her great grief that mr trevilla and his mother had returned to their own home she was very sorry she had not been permitted to say goodbye to her friend and for several days she felt very sad and lonely for all her father's coldness of manner had returned and he scarcely ever spoke to her while the younger members of the family ridiculed her for her failure in attempting to play for company and miss day who seemed unusually cross and exacting often taunted her with it also these were sad dark days for the little girl she tried most earnestly to attend to all her duties but so depressed were her spirits so troubled was her mind that she failed repeatedly in her lessons and so was in continual disgrace with miss day who threatened more than once to tell her papa it was a threat which elsie dreaded extremely to have put in execution and miss day seeing that it distressed her used it the more frequently and thus kept the poor child in constant terror how to gain her father's love was the constant subject of her thoughts and she tried in many ways to win his affection she always yielded a ready and cheerful obedience to his commands and strove to anticipate and fulfill all his wishes but he seldom noticed her unless to give a command or administer a review while he lavished many a caress upon his little sister enna often elsie would watch him fondling her until unable any longer to control her feelings she would rush away to her own room to weep and mourn in secret and pray that her father might one day learn to love her she never complained even to poor old aunt clowy but the anxious nurse watched all these things with the jealous eye of affection she saw that her child as she delighted to call her was very unhappy and was growing pale and melancholy and her heart ached for her and many were the tears she shed in secret over the sorrows of her nursing don't pierce so sorrowful darlin she sometimes said to her try to be merry like miss enna and run and jump on massahorus's knee and then i think he will like you better oh mammy i can't elsie would say i don't dare to do it and clowy would sigh and shake her head sorrowfully end of chapter third chapter fourth part one of elsie densmore this is a libra vox recording all libra vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libra vox.org elsie densmore by martha finley chapter fourth part one with more capacity for love than earth bestows on most of mortal mold and birth byron what are our hopes like garlands on affliction's forehead worn kissed in the morning and at evening torn davin ports king john and matilda such had been the state of affairs for about a week when one morning elsie and her father met at the breakfast room door good morning papa she said timidly good morning elsie he replied in an unusually pleasant tone then taking her by the hand he let her in and seated her beside himself at the table elsie's cheeks glowed and her eyes sparkled with pleasure there were several guests present and she would patiently while they and the older members of the family were being helped at length it was her turn elsie will you have some meat asked her grandfather no said her father answering for her once a day is often as a child of her age ought to eat meat she may have it at dinner but never for breakfast or tea the elder mr densmore lash saying really horrors i had no idea you were so notionate i always allowed you to eat whatever you pleased and i never saw that it hurt you but of course you must manage your own child in your own way if you please papa i'd rather have some of those hot cakes said elsie timidly as her father laid a slice of bread upon her plate no he said decidedly i don't approve of hot bread for children you must eat the cold then to a servant who is sitting down a cup of coffee beside the little girl's plate take that away pomp and bring this elsie a tub of milk or would you prefer water elsie milk if you please papa she replied with a little sigh for she was extremely fond of coffee and it was something of a trial to give it up her father put a spoonful of stewed fruit on her plate and as palmy said down a tumbler of rich milk beside it said now you have your breakfast before you elsie children in england are not allowed to eat butter until they are 10 or 11 years of age and i think it's an excellent plan to make them grow up rosine healthy i've neglected my little girl too long but i intend to begin to take good care of her now he added with a smile and laying his hand for an instant upon her head slight caress in the few kind words were quite enough to reconcile elsie to the rather meager fair and she ate it with a happy heart but the meager fair became a constant thing while the caress and kind words were not and though she submitted without a murmur she cannot help sometimes look with longing eyes at the coffee and hot buttered rolls of which was very fond but she tried to be contented saying to herself papa knows best and i ought to be satisfied with whatever he gives me isn't it delightful to have your papa at home elsie mr densmore one morning overheard arthur's saying to his little girl in the mocking tone it is very pleasant to live on bread and water isn't it a i don't live on bread and water elsie replied a little indignantly papa always allows me to have as much good rich milk and cream and fruit as i want or i can have eggs or cheese or honey or anything else except meat and hot cakes and butter and coffee and who wouldn't rather do without such things all their lives than not to have a papa to love them and besides you know arthur that i can have all the meat i want for dinner that's nothing and i wouldn't give much for all the love you get from him said arthur scornfully there was something like a sub from elsie and as her father rose and went to the window he just caught a glimpse of her white dress disappearing down the garden walk what do you mean sir by teasing elsie in that manner he exclaimed angrily to arthur who still stood where the little girl had left him leaning against one of the pillars of the portico i only wanted to have a little fun replied the boy doggedly well sir i don't approve of such fun and you'll please to let the child alone in future replied his brother as he returned to his new favor again but somehow the paper had lost its interest he seemed constantly to hear that little sob and to see a little face all wet with tears and wounded feeling just then the school bell rang and suddenly throwing down his paper he took a card from his pocket wrote a few words upon it and calling a servant said take this to miss day elsie was seated at her desk beginning her morning's work when the servant entered and handed the card to the governess miss day glanced at it and said elsie your father wants you you may go elsie rose in some trevitation and left the room wondering what her papa could want with her where's my papa fanny she asked of the servant into drawing room this elsie was replied and she hastened to seek him there he added his hand as he entered saying with a smile come here daughter it was the first time he had called her that and it sent a thrill of joy to her heart she sprang to his side and taking her hand in one of his and laying the other gently on her head and bending it back a little he looked keenly into her face it was bright enough now yet the traces of tears were very evident you've been crying he said in a slightly reproving tone i'm afraid you do a great deal more of that than is good for you it's a very babyish habit and you must try to break yourself of it the little face blushed painfully in the eyes filled again there he said stroking your hair don't begin it again i'm going to drive over to ion where your friend mr trevilla lives to spend the day would my little daughter like to go with me oh so very much papa she answered eagerly there are no little folks there he said smiling nobody to see but mr trevilla and his mother but i see you want to go so run and ask aunt quote to get you ready tell her i want you nicely dressed and the carriage will be at the door in half an hour elsie bounded away to do his bidding her face radiant with happiness and at the specified time came down again looking so very lovely that her father gazed at her with proud delight and could not refrain from giving her kiss as he lifted her up to place her in the carriage then seating himself beside her he took her hand in his and closing the door with the other bade the coachman to drive on i suppose you've never been to ion elsie he said inquiringly no sir but i've heard aunt adelaide say she thought it was a very pretty place replied the little girl so it is almost as pretty as rosalind said her father trevilla and i have known each other from boyhead and i spent many a happy day at ion and we went and had many boyish frolic together before i ever thought of you he smiled and patted her cheek as he spoke elsie's eyes sparkled oh papa she said really won't you tell me about those times it seems so strange that you were ever a little boy and i was nowhere he laughed and said musingly it seems but a very little while to me elsie since i was no older than you are now he decided and relapsed into silence elsie wished very much that he would grant him a request but did not dare disturb him by speaking a word and they rode on quietly for some time until a squirrel darting up a tree caught her eye and she uttered an exclamation oh papa did you see that squirrel look at him now perched up on that branch there we passed the tree and now he's out of sight this reminded mr. din's more of a day he had spent in those woods hunting squirrels when quite a boy and he gave elsie an animated account of it one of the incidents of the day had been the accidental discharge of the following piece of one of his young companions close at horse din's more side missing him by but a hair's breath i felt faint and sick when i knew how near i'd been to death he said as he finished his narrative elsie had been listening with breathless interest dear papa she murmured laying her little cheek against his hand how good god was to spare your life if you'd been killed i could never have had you for my papa perhaps you would have had much a better one elsie he said gravely oh no papa i wouldn't want any other she replied earnestly pressing his hands to her lips uh here we are exclaimed her father as at this instant the carriage turned into a broad avenue of which they drove quite rapidly and the next moment they had stopped the coachman had thrown open the carriage door and mr. din's more springing out lifted his little girl in his arms and set her down on the steps of the veranda uh din's more how do you do glad to see you my little friend elsie too why this is really kind cried mr. travilla in his cheerful hearty way as hurrying out to welcome them he shook mr. din's more cordially by the hand and kissed elsie's cheek walk in walk in he continued leading the way into the house my mother will be delighted to see you both miss elsie especially for she seemed to take quite a grant fancy to her if mrs. travilla's greeting was less boisterous it certainly was not lacking in cordiality and she made elsie feel at home at once taking off her bonnet smoothing her hair and kissing her affectionately the gentlemen soon went out together and elsie spent this morning in mrs. travilla's room chatting with her and assisting with her with some coarse garments she was making for her servants mrs. travilla was an earnest christian and the lady and the little girl were not long and discovering the tie which existed between them mr. travilla being also a woman of great discernment and having known hoarse din's more nearly all his life had conceived a very little correct idea of the trials and difficulties of elsie's situation and without alluding to them at all gave her some most excellent advice which the little girls seed very thankfully they were still chatting together when mr. travilla came in saying come elsie i want to take you out to see my garden hot house etc we will just have time before dinner will you go along mother no i have some little matters to attend to before dinner and we'll leave you to do the honors replied the lady and taking the little girl's hand he led her out where's papa asked elsie oh he's in the library looking over some new books replied mr. travilla he's always cared more for books than anything else but what do you think of my flowers oh they are lovely what a variety you have what a splendid cape just mean that is and there is a variety of cactus i never saw before oh you have a great many more and handsome or i think than we have at roselands exclaim elsie as she passed admiringly from one to the other mr. travilla was much pleased with the admiration she expressed for his very fond of his flowers and took great pride in showing them but soon they were called into dinner where elsie was seated by her father i hope this little girl has not given you any trouble mrs. travilla said he looking gravely at her oh no the lady hasten to say i have enjoyed her company very much indeed and hope you'll bring her to again to see me very soon after dinner as the day was very warm they adjourned to the veranda which was the coolest place to be found it being on the shady side of the house and also protected by thick trees underneath which a beautiful fountain was playing but the conversation was upon some subject which did not interest elsie and she presently stole away to the library and seating herself in the corner in the sofa was soon lost to everything around her and the intense interest with which she was reading a book she had taken from the table uh that is what you're about miss elsie a bookworm just like your father i see i've been wondering what had become of you for the last two hours exclaimed mr. travilla's pleasant voice and sitting down beside her he took the book from her hand and putting it behind him said put it away now you'll have time enough to finish it and i want you to talk with me oh please let me have it she pleaded i should not have much time for papa will soon be calling me to go home no no he's not going to take you away i've made a bargain with him to let me keep you said mr. travilla very greatly we both think that there are children enough at rosens without you and so your papa's given you to me and you are to be my little girl and call me papa in future elsie gazed earnestly in his face for an instant saying in a half frightened tone you're only joking mr. travilla not a bit of it he said can't you see that i'm an earnest his tone and look were both so serious that for an instant elsie believed he meant all he was saying and springing to her feet with a little cry of alarm she hastily drew her hand which he had taken and rushed out to the veranda where her father still sat conversing with mrs. travilla she flung herself into his arms and clinging to him hit her face in his breast sobbing oh papa dear papa don't give me away please don't i'll be so good i'll do everything you bid me i why elsie what does this mean exclaim mr. dinsmore in great surprise and perplexity while mr. travilla stood in the door looking half amused half sorry for what he'd done oh papa saw the little girl still clinging to him as though fearing she'd be torn away from his arms mr. travilla says you've given me to him oh papa don't give me away nonsense elsie i'm ashamed of you how can you be so very silly is to believe for one moment anything so perfectly absurd as that is i would think of giving you away why i would have soon think of parting with my eyes elsie raised her head and gazed searching lane to his face and with a deep drawn sigh of relief dropped it again saying oh i'm so glad really elsie said travilla coming up and patting her on the shoulder i can't say that i feel much complimented and indeed i don't see why you need to have been so very much distressed at the prospect before you for i must say i have vanity enough to imagine that i should make the better or at least the more indulgent father of the two come now wouldn't you be willing to try me for a month if your papa will give consent elsie shook her head i will let you have your way in everything argue travilla coaxingly and i know that is more than he does i don't want my own way mr. travilla i know it wouldn't always be a good way replied elsie decidingly her father laughed and passed his hand carelessly over her curls i thought you liked me little elsie said travilla in a tone of disappointment so i do mr travilla i like you very much she replied well don't you think i'd make a good father i'm sure you'd be very kind and that i should love you very much but not so much as i love my own papa because you know you are not my papa and never can be even if he should give me to you mr. din's more laughed heartily saying i think you may as well give it up travilla it seems i'll have to keep her whether or no for she clings to me like a leech well elsie you will at least come to the piano and play a little for me will you not ask travilla smiling but elsie clung to her father seeming to loathe leave him until he said in a grave decided way go elsie go at once and do as you requested she rose instantly to obey travilla looked somewhat vexed i wish he afterward remarked to his mother that din's more was not quite so ready to second my request with the commands i want elsie's compliance be voluntary else i think it is worth very little elsie played and sung until they were called to tea after what she sat quietly by her father's side listening to the conversation of her elders until the carriage was announced well my daughter said mr. din's more when they were filling upon their way to roselands have you had a pleasant day oh very pleasant papa accepting she paused looking a little embarrassed well accepting what he asked smiling down at her accepting when mr. travilla frightened me so papa she implied moving closer to his side blushing and casting down her eyes and you do love your own papa best and don't want to exchange him for another he said inquiringly as he passed his arm affectionately around her waist oh no dear papa not for anybody else in all the world she said earnestly he made no reply in words but looking highly gratified bent down and kiss her cheek he did not speak again during the ride but when the carriage stopped he left her out and setting her down gently bade her a kind good night saying it was time for mammy to put her to bed she ran lightly upstairs and springing into her nurse's arms explained oh mammy mammy what a pleasant pleasant day i have ever had papa's been so kind and so were mr. travilla and his mother i was very glad darlin and i hope you go and have many more such days replied cloe embracing her fondly and then proceeding to take off her bonnet and prepare her for bed well elsie gave her a minute account of all the occurrences of the day not omitting the fight with mr. travilla had given her and how happy her fears had been relieved you look very happy my darlin pet said cloe clasping her nursing again in her arms when her task was finished yes mammy i am happy oh so happy because i do believe that papa is beginning to love me a little and i hope that perhaps after a while he'll love me very much the tears gathered in her eyes as she spoke the next afternoon as elsie was returning from her walk she met her father elsie said he in a reproving tone i forbidden you to walk out alone are you just obeying me no papa she replied meekly raising her eyes to his face i was not alone until about five minutes ago when aunt adelaide and louise left me they said it did not matter and i was so near to home and they were going to make a call and did not want me along very well he said holding her hand and making her walk by side how far has he been we went down to the river bank to big springs papa i believe it is a little more than a mile away but when we came home we made it shorter by coming across some of the fields and through the meadow through the meadow said mr. dinsmore don't go there again elsie unless i give you express permission why papa she asked looking up at him in some surprise because i forbid it he said sternly that is quite enough for you to know all you have to do is obey and you never need to ask me why when i give you an order elsie's eyes filled in a big tear roll quickly down her cheek it didn't mean to be naughty papa she said struggling to keep down a sob and i'll try never to ask why again there was another thing said he you quite quite too easily it is entirely too babyish for a girl of your age and you must quit it i will try papa said the little girl wiping her eyes and making a great effort to control her feelings they entered the avenue while this conversation was going on and we're now drawing near the house and just at that moment a little girl about elsie's age came running to meet them exclaiming oh elsie i'm glad you've come at last we've been here an all hour mama and her bird and i and i've been looking for you all this time how do you do miss lucy carrington i can see you can talk as fast as ever said mr. dinsmore laughing and holding out his hand lucy took it sang with a little pouch to be sure mr. dinsmore it isn't more than two or three weeks since you were at our house and i wouldn't forget how to talk in that time then looking at elsie she went on we've come to stay a week well we have a fine time and catching her friend around the waist she gave her a hearty squeeze i hope so said elsie returning the embrace i'm glad you've come is your papa here miss lucy asked mr. dinsmore yes sir but he's going home again tonight and then he'll come back for us next week i must go in and speak to him said mr. dinsmore elsie do you entertain lucy yes sir i will say elsie come and meet in my room won't you lucy yes but won't you speak to mama first and her bird too you're such a favorite with them both and they still are in the dressing room for mama's not very well and was quite the team with her ride lucy led the way to her mama's room as she spoke elsie following uh elsie dear how do you do i'm delighted to see you said this is kerington rising from the sofa as they entered then drawing the little girl closer to her she passed her arms affectionately around her waist and kissed her several times i suppose you were very happy now that your papa's come home at last she said looking searchingly into elsie's face i remember you used to be looking forward so to his return constantly talking of it and longing for it for elsie conscious that her father's presence had not brought with it the happiness she anticipated and yet i'm willing to acknowledge the fact or tell an untruth was at loss of what to say but she was relieved by the necessity for plying by herbert lucy's twin brother a pale sickly looking boy who had several years suffered from a hip complaint oh elsie he exclaimed catching hold of her hand and squeezing between both of his i'm ever so glad to see you again yes said mrs kerington herbert always says nobody can tell him such beautiful stories elsie and nobody but his mother and his old mammy was half so kind to run and wait on him when he was laid on his back for so many weeks he missed you very much when we went home and often wished he was at rosa and again how's your hip now herbert asked elsie looking pittingly at the boy's pale face oh a great deal better thank you i can take quite long walks sometimes now though i still limp and cannot run and leap like other boys i chatted a few moments longer and then elsie went to her room to have her hat taken off and her hair made smooth before the t-bell should ring end of chapter fourth part one