your strength, without my knowledge and permission. Nor must you, Rose,"
he added with playful authority, turning an affectionate, smiling glance
upon her; "you too are worn out and must have rest."

"Well, my dear," she said laughingly, "I make no rash promises. You know I
never have equalled Elsie in submissiveness."

"No; and yet you have usually shown yourself amenable to authority."

"Perhaps because it has so seldom been exerted," she saucily returned. "My
dear, we have not yet had our first quarrel."

"And have lived together for thirty odd years. I think it would hardly be
worth while to begin after so long a delay."

"Nor do I," she said, "therefore shall probably yield to your wishes in
this matter--or commands, call them what you will; especially as they are
in full accord with my own inclinations."

"Elsie," he said, turning to his daughter again, "I have taken the liberty
of inviting some guests to Ion this morning."

"Liberty, papa!" she exclaimed. "It would be impossible for you to take
liberties with me or mine; I consider your rights and authority in any
house of mine fully equal, if not superior to my own. If the mistress of
the mansion be subject to your control," she added, with a bright look up
into his face, and much of the old time archness in her smile, "surely all
else must be."

"Thank you, daughter; then I have not taken a liberty, but I have invited