"Papa," said Elsie, "I am not tired, mayn't I run on to the top of
that hill yonder?"

"Yes, if you will not go out of sight or hearing, so that I can see
that you are safe, and within call when I want you," he replied, and
she bounded away.

Rose was sitting thoughtfully, with her eyes upon the ground, while
those of her companion were following the graceful figure of his
little girl, as she tripped lightly along the road.

"Mr. Dinsmore," Rose began.

"I beg pardon, but were you speaking to me?" he asked, turning to her
with a half smile.

"Certainly," she replied, smiling in return; "there is no one else
here."

"Well then, Rose, dear, please to remember that I don't answer to that
name from your lips, at least not when we are alone. I am not Mr.
Dinsmore to you, unless you mean to be Miss Allison to me," he added,
taking her hand and gazing tenderly into her blushing face.

"Oh! no, no; I would not have you call me that!"

"Well then, dear Rose, I want you to call me Horace. I would almost as
soon think of being Mr. Dinsmore to Elsie, as to you. And now, what
were you going to say to me?"