"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