on
Elsie's door like those of a good-natured watchdog. As for the girl
herself, she bathed her face in cold water, chilling the pain away,
straightened out her curls, twisted all her hair in a great knot back of
the head, and came out softly, like a dear little forgiving nun, filled
with compassion for other people's sins.

Tom followed her into the little morning-room where his confession had
been made, and sat down on the sofa to which she retreated with great
caution, as if she were afraid.

"Won't Bessie and Mellen be astonished," he insinuated; "I do wonder how
they will look, when we tell 'em how it is."

"You won't have an opportunity of judging just at present," replied
Elsie.

"Why won't I?"

"Because I don't choose you to say one word about the matter to any
human being until I give you permission."

"Now, what is that for?" asked Tom, somewhat discomfited.

"Just because I prefer it," answered the young lady.

"But I want the whole world to know how happy I am," said he.

"Tom Fuller," cried Elsie, menacingly; "are you going to begin already
to dispute and annoy me, after what I've just suffered, too?"

"Lord bless you, no! I am as sorry as can be."

"Then do exactly as I tell you," continued she, "and promise me not to
mention what has happened till I give you leave."

"It's a little hard," said Tom, "not to be able to show how happy a
fellow--why, I shall tell in spite of myself."

"If you don't promise, I'll take back every word I've said--"

"I will! I will!" he interrupted, terrified at the bare threat. "Don't
be angry, pet; I'll do just as you say."

"That's a nice old Tom; now you are good and I love you."

"But you, won't keep it long, Elsie?"

"No, no; but just at present I choose; I told you what a terrible tyrant
I should be."

"I like it," said Tom, with the thorough enjoyment of her mastery, which
only an immense creature like him can feel in a pretty woman's graceful
tyranny.

"So much the better for you," said Elsie.

"Oh, little girl, we will be as happy as the day is long!" cried he.

"And you'll never contradict me?"

"Never!"

"And I shall have my own way more and more every day?"

"Well," said Tom, thoughtfully; "I don't see how you could easily; but
you may try."

Elsie laughed; his oddity amused her.

"You are a perfect ogre of a lover," cried she. "What a head of hair!"

"It never will keep in order," said Tom, pressing down the shaggy locks
with both