A slight shade had come over the little girl’s face, and she sat for a moment apparently in deep thought; then, looking up lovingly into his face, she replied, “I love it very much, papa, and I don’t know whether any other Bible could ever seem quite the same to me—­it was mamma’s, you know—­and it has been with me in all my troubles, and I don’t think I could be quite willing to give it to anybody else; but I am very glad to give it to you, my own dear, dear papa!” and she threw her arms around his neck.

“Thank you very much, my darling.  I know it is a very strong proof of your affection, and I shall value it more than its weight in gold,” he said, pressing her to his heart, and kissing her tenderly.

CHAPTER XV.

“Wide flush the fields; the softening air is balm;
Echo the mountains round; the forest smiles;
And every sense, and every heart, is joy.”

THOMSON.

It was spring again; early in April; the air was filled with the melody of birds, and balmy with the breath of flowers.  All nature was awaking to renewed life and vigor; but not so with our little friend.  She had never fully recovered her strength, and as the season advanced, and the weather became warmer she seemed to grow more languid.

Her father was very anxious about her, and sending for Dr. Barton one morning, held a long consultation with him, the result of which was a determination on Mr. Dinsmore’s part that he would take his little girl travelling for some months.  They would go North immediately; for the doctor said it was the best thing that could be done; in fact the only thing that would be likely to benefit her.

When the doctor had gone, Mr. Dinsmore went into Elsie’s little sitting-room, where she was busily engaged with her lessons.

“I am not quite ready yet, papa,” she said, looking up as he entered; “isn’t it a little before the time?”

“Yes, a little,” he replied, consulting his watch, “but you needn’t mind that lesson, daughter; I’m afraid I have been working you too hard.”

“Oh, no, papa! and if you please, I would rather finish the lesson.”

“Very well, then, I will wait for you,” he said, taking up a book.

She came to him in a few moments, saying that she was quite ready now, and when he had heard her recitations, and praised her for their excellence, he bade her put her books away and come and sit on his knee, for he had something to tell her.

“Is it good news, papa?” she asked, as he lifted her to her accustomed seat.

“Yes, I hope you will think so:  it is that you and I, and mammy, and John are about to set out upon our travels.  I am going to take you North to spend the summer, as the doctor thinks that is the best thing that can be done to bring back your health and strength.”

Elsie’s eyes were dancing with joy.  “Oh, how delightful that will be!” she exclaimed.  “And will you take me to see Miss Rose, papa?”