embrace.

"How? I came in through yonder door, miss; after riding my pony
from Ashlands to the front entrance of this mansion," replied Lucy,
courtesying low in mock reverence. "I hope your ladyship will excuse
the liberty I have taken in venturing uninvited into your sanctum."

"Provided your repentance is deep and sincere," returned Elsie in the
same jesting tone.

"Certainly, I solemnly pledge myself never to do it again till the
next time."

"Sit down, won't you?" and Elsie pushed forward a low rocking chair.
"It's so pleasant to see you. But if I had thought about it at all
I should have supposed you were at home, and as busy over books and
lessons as I."

"No; my respected governess, Miss Warren, not feeling very well, has
taken a week's holiday, and left me to do the same. Fancy my afflicted
state at the thought of laying aside my beloved books for seven or
eight whole days."

"You poor creature! how I pity you," said Elsie, laughing; "suppose
you stay here and share the instructions of my tutor; I have no doubt
I could persuade him to receive you as a pupil."

"Horrors! I'm much obliged, very much, but I should die of fright the
first time I had to recite. There, I declare I'm growing poetical,
talking in rhyme all the time."