CHAPTER IV.

“Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.” 
    Exod. 10:6.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” 
    Acts 5:29.

“Dear papa, are you sick?” It was Elsie’s sweet voice that asked the question in a tone of alarm.  She had just finished her morning lessons, and coming into her father’s room, had found him lying on the sofa, looking flushed and feverish.

“Yes, daughter,” he said, “I have a severe headache, and some fever, I think.  But don’t be alarmed, my pet, ’tis nothing at all serious,” he added in a more cheerful tone, taking both her little hands in his, and gazing fondly into the beautiful dark eyes, now filled with tears.

“You will let me be your little nurse, my own dear papa, will you not?” she asked coaxingly.  “May I bring some cool water and bathe your head?”

“Yes, darling, you may,” he said, releasing her hands.

Elsie stole softly out of the room, but was back again almost in a moment, followed by Chloe, bearing a pitcher of ice-water.

“Now, mammy, please bring a basin and napkin from the dressing-room,” she said, in a low tone, as the old nurse set down her burden.  “And then you may darken the room a little.  And shall I not tell her to send Jim or Jack for the doctor, papa?”

“It is hardly necessary, darling,” he replied, with a faint smile.

“Oh! please, papa, my own dear, darling papa, do let me!” she entreated.  “You know it cannot do any harm, and may do a great deal of good.”

“Ah! well, child, do as you like,” he replied with a weary sigh; “but the doctor will, no doubt, think me very foolish to be so easily frightened.”

“Then, papa, I will tell him it was I, not you, who were frightened, and that you sent for him to please your silly little daughter,” Elsie said, fondly laying her cheek to his, while he passed his arm around her, and pressed her to his side.

“Here are de tings, darlin’,” said Chloe, setting down the basin, and filling it from the pitcher.

“That is right, you good old mammy.  Now close the blinds, and then you may go and tell Jim to saddle a horse and ride after the doctor immediately.”

Chloe left the room, and Elsie brought another pillow for her father, smoothed his hair, bathed his forehead, and then, drawing a low chair to the side of the sofa, sat down and fanned him gently and regularly.

“Why!” said he, in a gratified tone, “you are as nice a little nurse as anybody need ask for; you move about so gently, and seem to know just the right thing to do.  How did you learn?”

“I have had bad headaches so often myself, papa, that I have found out what one wants at such times,” replied the little girl, coloring with pleasure.

He closed his eyes and seemed to be sleeping, and Elsie almost held her breath, lest she should disturb him.  But presently the dinner-bell rang, and, opening them again, he said, “Go down, my daughter, and get your dinner.”