At first Elsie greatly feared that she would not be allowed to attend church, as usual, on the Sabbath.  But Mr. Dinsmore did not care to excite too much remark, and so, as Elsie had always been very regular in her attendance, to her great joy she was still permitted to go.

No one spoke to her, however, or seemed to take the least notice of her; but she sat by her father’s side, as usual, both in the carriage and in the pew, and there was some pleasure even in that, though she scarcely dared even to lift her eyes to his face.  Once during the sermon, on the third Sabbath after their last interview, she ventured to do so, and was so overcome by the sight of his pale, haggard looks, that utterly unable to control her emotion, she burst into tears, and almost sobbed aloud.

“Elsie,” he said, bending down, and speaking in a stern whisper, “you must control yourself.”

And with a mighty effort she swallowed down her tears and sobs.

He took no further notice of her until they were again at their own door, when, lifting her from the carriage, he took her by the hand and led her to his own room.  Shutting the door, he said sternly, “Elsie, what did you mean by behaving so in church?  I was ashamed of you.”

“I could not help it, papa; indeed I could not,” replied the little girl, again bursting into tears.

“What were you crying about? tell me at once,” he said, sitting down and taking off her bonnet, while she stood trembling before him.

“Oh, papa! dear, dear papa!” she cried, suddenly throwing her arms round his neck, and laying her cheek to his; “I love you so much, that when I looked at you, and saw how pale and thin you were, I couldn’t help crying.”

“I do not understand, nor want such love, Elsie,” he said gravely, putting her from him; “it is not the right kind, or it would lead you to be docile and obedient.  You certainly deserve punishment for your behavior this morning, and I am much inclined to say that you shall not go to church again for some time.”

“Please, papa, don’t say that,” she replied tearfully; “I will try never to do so again.”

“Well,” he replied, after a moment’s reflection, “I shall punish you to-day by depriving you of your dinner, and if you repeat the offence I shall whip you.”

Elsie’s little face flushed crimson.

“I know it is an ignominious punishment, Elsie,” said her father, “and I feel very loth to try it with you, but I greatly fear I shall be compelled to do so before I can subdue your rebellious spirit; it will be the very last resort, however.  Go now to your room.”

This last threat might almost be said to have given Elsie a new dread; for though his words on several former occasions had seemed to imply something of the sort, she had always put away the thought as that of something too dreadful to happen.  But now he had spoken plainly, and the trial to her seemed inevitable, for she could never give the required promise, and she knew, too, that he prided himself on keeping his word, to the very letter.