me."

He paused a moment, looking down at the little blushing face, half hidden
on his breast, then went on:

"Elsie, daughter, you are more precious to me than aught else in the
wide world, and you need not fear that any other can ever take your place
in my heart, or that I will make any connection that would render you
unhappy. I want no one to love but my little girl; and you must not let
the gossip of the servants disturb you."

Elsie looked up in unfeigned astonishment.

"Papa! you seem to know everything about me. Can you read my thoughts?"

"_Almost_, when I can see your face," he answered, smiling at her puzzled
look. "I cannot quite, though; but I can put things together and make a
pretty good guess, sometimes."

She lay still on his breast for a moment; then, raising her eyes timidly
to his face again, she said in a half-hesitating way, "I am afraid it is
very naughty in me, papa, but I can't help thinking that Miss Stevens
is very disagreeable. I felt so that very first day, and I did not want
to take a present from her, because it didn't seem exactly right when I
didn't like her, but I couldn't refuse--she wouldn't let me--and I have
tried to like her since, but I can't."

"Well, darling, I don't think I am just the proper person to reprove you
for _that_," he replied, trying to look grave, "for I am afraid I am as
naughty as you are. But we won't talk any more about her. See what I have
for you this morning."

He pointed to the table, where lay a pile of prettily bound books, which
Elsie had not noticed until this moment. They were Abbot's works. Elsie
had read several of his historical tales, and liked them very much; and
her father could hardly have given a more acceptable present.

"I was sorry for your disappointment yesterday," he said, "but I hope
these will make up for it, and they will give you a great deal of useful
information, as well as amusement; while it could only be an injury
to you to read that trashy book."

Elsie was turning over the books with eager delight.

"_Dear_ papa, you are so kind and good to me," she said, laying them down
to put her arms around his neck and kiss him. "I like these books very
much, and I don't at all care to read that other one since you have told
me you do not approve of it."

"That is my own darling child," said he, returning her caress, "your
ready obedience deserved a reward. Now put on your hat, and we will take
our walk."

Mr. Travilla join