my heart for both of them, and I do not love the memory of Elsie less
because I have given a place in it to Rose."

There was a momentary silence; then she looked up, asking timidly,
"You are not vexed with me, papa?"

"No, dearest; not at all; and I am very glad you have told me your
feelings so freely," he said, folding her closer and closer to his
heart. "I hope you will always come to me with your sorrows, and you
need never fear that you will not find sympathy, and help too, as far
as it is in my power to give it. Elsie, do you know that you are very
like your mother?--the resemblance grows stronger every day; and it
would be quite impossible for me to forget her with this living image
always before me."

"Am I like her, papa? I am so glad!" exclaimed the little girl
eagerly, her face lighting up with a joyous smile.

It seemed as though Mr. Dinsmore could hardly bear to part with his
child that night; he held her a long time in his arms, but at last,
with another tender caress, and a fervent blessing, he bade her
good-night and sent her away.




CHAPTER III.

She twin'd--and her mother's gaze brought back
Each hue of her childhood's faded track.