the door."

"Papa," said Horace, as the door closed upon his sister, "may I ride Gip
to-day?"

"If you promise me to keep close beside the carriage."

"Oh, papa, can't I ride on ahead a little, now and then, or fall a few
paces behind if I wish?"

"No; you may do just what I have given permission for, and nothing else."




CHAPTER FOURTH.

"Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
In ev'ry gesture, dignity and love."
--MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.


"But, Elsie, what of Mr. Travilla?" asked her father, as he handed her
into the saddle.

"He will not be here till evening, sir," she answered, the rose on her
cheek deepening slightly.

"Then I can have undisturbed possession for to-day at least," replied Mr.
Dinsmore, mounting. "We couldn't have a lovelier day for a ride."