to her bedside, holding it out for her young mistress to help herself.

"Yes, mammy dear, they look very tempting, but I won't eat with unwashed
hands and face," said Elsie gayly. "And so papa has stolen a march upon me
and risen first?"

"Yes, darlin', massa out on the veranda, but he say 'Let your missus sleep
long as she will.'"

"My always kind and indulgent father! Mammy, I'll take a bath; and then
while you arrange my hair, I'll try the oranges. Go now and ask papa when
he will have his breakfast, and tell Aunt Phillis to see that it is ready
at the hour he names."

Chloe obeyed, and an hour later Elsie met her father in the breakfast-room
so glad, so gay, so bright, that his heart swelled with joy and pleasure
in his child, and all fears that she had overfatigued herself vanished
from his mind.

She was full of plans for the comfort and profit of her people, but all to
be subject to his approval "Papa dear," she said as soon as their morning
greetings had been exchanged, "I think of sending for a physician to
examine Suse and tell us whether there is reason for her complaints. She
must not be forced to work if she is really ill."

"I think it would be well," he replied. "There is an excellent physician
living about three miles from here."

Elsie was prompt in action by both nature and training, and instantly
summoning a servant, despatched him at once on the proposed errand.