As Elsie ceased speaking, Mr. Grier slipped quietly away, and continued his walk.  From what he had just seen and heard, he felt fully convinced that Elsie was not the wicked, disobedient child Enna had represented her to be; yet he knew that Enna was not alone in her opinion, since it was very evident that Elsie was in disgrace with the whole family—­her father especially—­and that she was very unhappy.  He felt his heart drawn out in sympathy for the child, and longed to be able to assist her in regaining her father’s favor, yet he knew not how to do it, for how was he to learn the facts in the case without seeming to pry into the family secrets of his kind entertainers?  But there was one comfort he could do for her—­what she had so earnestly asked of Dinah—­and he would.  As he came to this resolution he turned about and began to retrace his steps toward the house.  To his surprise and pleasure, upon turning around a thicket, he came suddenly upon Elsie herself, seated upon a bench under a tree, bending over her little Bible, which lay open on her lap, and upon which her quiet tears were dropping, one by one.

She did not seem aware of his presence, and he stood a moment gazing compassionately upon her, ere he spoke.

“My dear little girl, what is the matter?” he asked in a gentle tone, full of sympathy and kindness, seating himself by her side.

Elsie started, and raising her head, hastily brushed away her tears.

“Good evening, sir,” she said, blushing painfully, “I did not know you were here.”

“You must excuse my seeming intrusion,” replied the old gentleman, taking her hand in his.  “I came upon you unawares, not knowing you were here; but now that we have met, will you not tell me the cause of your grief?  Perhaps I may be able to assist you.”

“No, sir,” she said, “you could not do anything for me; but I thank you very much for your kindness.”

“I think,” said he, after a moment’s pause, “that I know something of your trouble; you have offended your father; is it not so, my dear?”

Elsie answered only by her tears, and he went on.

Laying his hand upon the Bible, “Submission to parents, my dear child,” he said, “you know is enjoined in this blessed book; children are here commanded to honor and obey their father and mother; it is God’s command, and if you love his holy word, you will obey its precepts.  Surely your father will forgive, and receive you into favor, if you show yourself penitent and submissive?”

“I love my papa very, very dearly,” replied Elsie, weeping, “and I do want to obey him; but he does not love Jesus, and sometimes he bids me break God’s commandments, and then I cannot obey him.”

“Is that it, my poor child?” said her friend pityingly.  “Then you are right in not obeying; but be very sure that your father’s commands are opposed to those of God, before you refuse obedience; and be very careful to obey him in all things in which you can conscientiously do so.”