of annoyance.

"Well, dear, and what of it all?" he asked, soothingly. "I don't think
the silly nonsense of the servants need trouble you. John is a sad
fellow, I know; he courts all the pretty colored girls wherever he
goes. I shall have to read him a serious lecture on the subject. But
it is very kind of you to be so concerned for Phillis."

"Oh, papa, don't!" she said, turning away her face. "Please don't
tease me so. You know I don't care for Phillis or John; but that isn't
all." And then she repeated what had passed between Annie and herself.

He looked a good deal provoked as she went on with her story; then
very grave indeed. He was quite silent for a moment after she had
done. Then drawing her closer to him, he said tenderly, "My poor
little girl, I am sorry you should be so annoyed; but you know it is
not true, daughter, and why need you care what other people think and
say?"

"I don't like them to talk so, papa! I can't bear to have them say
such things about you!" she exclaimed indignantly.

He was silent again for a little; then said kindly, "I think I had
better take you away from these troublesome talkers. What do you say
to going home?"

"Oh, yes, papa, do take me home," she answered eagerly. "I wish we
were there now. I think it is the pleasantest place in the world and
it seems such a long, long while since we came away. Let us start
to-morrow, papa; can't we?"