whether she does or not. We must expect annoyances in this world, my
child; and must try to bear them with patience, remembering that
God sends the little trials as well as the great, and that He has
commanded us to 'let patience have her perfect work.' I fear it is a
lack of the spirit of forgiveness that makes it so difficult for us to
bear these trifling vexations with equanimity. And you must remember
too, dear, that the Bible bids us be courteous, and teaches us to
treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated."

"I think you always remember the command to be courteous, papa," she
said, looking affectionately into his face. "I was wondering all the
time how you could be so very polite to Miss Stevens; for I was quite
sure you would rather not have had her along. And then, what right had
she to take your arm without being asked?" and Elsie's face flushed
with indignation.

Her father laughed a little. "And thus deprive my little girl of her
rights," he said, softly kissing the glowing cheek. "Ah! I doubt if
you would have been angry had it been Miss Rose," he added, a little
mischievously.

"Oh, papa, you know Miss Rose would never have done such a thing!"
exclaimed the little girl warmly.

"Ah! well, dear," he said in a soothing tone; "we won't talk any more
about it. I acknowledge that I do not find Miss Stevens the most
agreeable company in the world, but I must treat her politely, and
show her a little attention sometimes; both because she is a lady and
because her father once saved my father's life; for which I owe a debt
of gratitude to him and his children."