“Well, then, mamma, we can come home; there is nothing to prevent us,” said Harold.

“Oh, mamma, do let us go just this once,” urged Sophy; “and if we find it as disagreeable as you think, you know we won’t ask again.”

And so at last Mrs. Allison gave a rather reluctant consent, but only on condition that Mr. Dinsmore would allow Elsie to go, as she said it would be very rude indeed for them to go and leave their little guest at home alone.

This conversation had taken place in Mrs. Allison’s dressing-room, and Elsie was waiting in the hall to learn the result of their application.

“Mamma says we may go if your papa says yes,” cried Sophy, rushing out and throwing her arms round Elsie’s neck.  “Oh, aren’t you glad?  Now, Elsie, coax him hard and make him let you go.”

“I wouldn’t dare to do it; I should only get punished if I did, for papa never allows me to coax or tease, nor even to ask him a second time,” Elsie said, with a little shake of her head.

“Oh, nonsense!” exclaimed Sophy, “I often get what I want by teasing.  I guess you never tried it.”

“My papa is not at all like your father and mother,” replied Elsie, “and it would be worse than useless to coax after he has once said no.”

“Then coax him before he has a chance to say it,” suggested Sophy, laughing.

“Perhaps that might do if I can manage it,” said Elsie, thoughtfully.  “I wish he would come!” she added, walking to the window and looking out.

“He won’t be here for an hour or two, at any rate, if he dined in the city,” said Sophy.  “Oh, how warm it is! let’s go to our room, Elsie, and take off our dresses and have a nap.  It will help to pass away the time until your papa comes.”

Elsie agreed to the proposal, and before long they were both sound asleep, having tired themselves out with romping and running.

When Elsie awoke she found Chloe standing over her.  “You’s had a berry good nap, darlin’, an’ you’s berry warm,” she whispered, as she wiped the perspiration from the little girl’s face.  “Let your ole mammy take you up an’ give you a bath an’ dress you up nice an’ clean, ’fore Miss Sophy gits her blue eyes open.”

“Oh, yes, that will make me feel so much better,” agreed the little girl, “and you must make me look very nice, mammy, to please papa.  Has he come yet?”

“Yes, darlin’; master’s been home dis hour, an’ I ’specs he’s in de parlor dis minute talkin’ ‘long of Miss Rose an’ de rest.”

“Then hurry, mammy, and dress me quickly, because I want to ask papa something,” Elsie said in an eager whisper, as she stepped hastily off the bed.

Chloe did her best, and in half an hour Elsie, looking as sweet and fresh as a new-blown rose in her clean white frock and nicely brushed curls, entered the parlor where her father, Mrs. Allison, Miss Rose, and her elder brother were seated.

Mr. Dinsmore was talking with Edward Allison, but he turned his head as Elsie came in, and held out his hand to her with a proud, fond smile.