“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 joined them in the avenue, and his kind heart rejoiced to see how the clouds of care and sorrow had all passed away from his little friend’s face, leaving it bright and beaming, as usual.  Her father had one hand, and Mr. Travilla soon possessed himself of the other.

“I don’t altogether like these company-days, when you have to be banished from the table, little Elsie,” he remarked.  “I cannot half enjoy my breakfast without your bright face to look at.”

“I don’t like them either, Mr. Travilla, because I see so little of papa.  I haven’t had a ride with him since the company came.”

“You shall have one this afternoon, if nothing happens,” said her father quickly.  “What do you say, Travilla, to a ride on horseback with the four young ladies you took charge of yesterday, and myself?”

“Bravo!  I shall be delighted to be of the party, if the ladies don’t object; eh!  Elsie, what do you think?” with a questioning look down into her glad face, “will they want me?”

“You needn’t be a bit afraid, Mr. Travilla,” laughed the little girl; “I like you next to papa, and I believe Lucy and the rest like you better.”

“Oh! take care, Elsie; are you not afraid of hurting his feelings?”

“No danger, as long as she puts me first,” Mr. Dinsmore said, bestowing a smile and loving glance on her.

Caroline Howard was in Elsie’s room, waiting to show her bracelet, which had just been handed to her by her maid; Pomp having brought it from the city late the night before.

“Oh!  Elsie, I am so glad you have come at last.  I have been waiting for half an hour, I should think, to show you these,” she said, as Elsie came in from her walk.  “But how bright and merry you look; so different from last night! what ailed you then?”

“Never mind,” replied Elsie, taking the bracelet from her hand, and examining it.  “Oh! this is very pretty, Carry! the clasp is so beautiful, and they have braided the hair so nicely.”

“Yes, I’m sure mamma will like it.  But now that Christmas is gone, I think I will keep it for a New Year’s gift.  Wouldn’t you, Elsie?”

“Yes, perhaps—­but I want to tell you, Carry, what papa says.  He and Mr. Travilla are going to take you, and Lucy, and Mary, and me, riding on horseback this afternoon.  Don’t you think it will be pleasant?”