“I do try, sir,” replied Elsie meekly.

“Then be comforted, my dear little girl.  God has surely sent you this trial for some wise and kind purpose, and in his own good time he will remove it.  Only be patient and submissive.  He can change your father’s heart, and for that you and I will both pray.”

Elsie looked her thanks as they rose to return to the house, but her heart was too full for speech, and she walked silently along beside her new friend, who continued to speak words of comfort and encouragement to her, until they reached the door, where he bade her good-by, saying that he was sorry he was not likely to see her again, as he must leave Roselands that afternoon, but promising not to forget her in his prayers.

When Elsie reached her room, Chloe told her her father had sent word that she was to come to him as soon as she returned from her walk, and that she would find him in his dressing-room.

Chloe had taken off the little girl’s hat and smoothed her hair ere she delivered the message, and with a beating heart Elsie proceeded immediately to obey it.

In answer to her timid knock, her father himself opened the door.

“Mammy told me that you wanted me, papa,” she said in a tremulous voice, and looking up timidly into his face.

“Yes, I sent for you; come in,” he replied; and taking her by the hand he led her forward to the arm-chair from which he had just risen, where he again seated himself, making her stand before him very much like a culprit in the presence of her judge.

There was a moment’s pause, in which Elsie stood with her head bent down and her eyes upon the carpet, trembling with apprehension, and not knowing what new trial might be in store for her.  Then she ventured to look at her father.

His face was sad and distressed, but very stern.

“Elsie,” he began at length, speaking in slow, measured tones, “I told you last evening that should you still persist in your resistance to my authority, I should feel compelled to take severe measures with you.  I have now decided what those measures are to be.  Henceforth, so long as you continue rebellious, you are to be banished entirely from the family circle; your meals must be taken in your own apartment, and though I shall not reduce your fare to bread and water, it will be very plain—­no sweetmeats—­no luxuries of any kind.  I shall also deprive you entirely of pocket-money, and of all books excepting your Bible and school-books, and forbid you either to pay or receive any visits, telling all who inquire for you, why you cannot be seen.  You are also to understand that I forbid you to enter any apartment in the house excepting your own and the school-room—­unless by my express permission—­and never to go out at all, even to the garden, excepting to take your daily exercise, accompanied always and only by a servant.  You are to go on with your studies as usual, but need not expect to be spoken to by any one but your teacher, as I shall request the others to hold no communication with you.  This is your sentence.  It goes into effect this very hour, but becomes null and void the moment you come to me with acknowledgments of penitence for the past, and promises of implicit obedience for the future.”