"Thank you, papa, I will," she answered, with a brightened countenance,
as she left the room. She was soon in her place again by his side. He
was sleeping--and taking the fan from Chloe's hand without speaking,
she motioned her away, and resuming her seat, sat for an hour or more,
fanning him in perfect silence.

The physician had come while the family were at dinner, and leaving
some medicine, had gone again, saying he was in haste to visit another
patient; and assuring Elsie, whom he met in the hall as he was going out,
that he did not think her papa was going to be very ill. This assurance
had comforted her very much, and she felt quite happy while sitting there
watching her father's slumbers.

At length he opened his eyes, and smiling fondly on her, asked: "Does
not my little girl want some play this afternoon? Your little hand must
surely be very tired wielding that fan;" and taking it from her, he drew
her head down to his breast and stroked her hair caressingly.

"No, my own papa, I would much rather stay with you, if you will let me,"
she answered eagerly.

"I am afraid I _ought_ to be very determined, and send you out to take
some exercise," he replied, playfully running his fingers through her
curls; "but it is too pleasant to have you here, so you may stay if you
like."

"Oh, thank you, dear papa! and will you let me wait on you? What can I do
for you now?"