lost none of her old liking for her father's friend, and was wont to
treat him with the easy and affectionate familiarity she might have
used had he been her uncle.

They continued their talk till they had reached the lawn at the side
of the house on which her apartments were; then he turned to bid her
good-bye.

"I'm much obliged!" she said, taking his offered hand, and looking up
brightly into his face.

"Welcome, fair lady; but am I to be dismissed without any reward for
my poor services?"

"I have none to offer, sir knight, but you may help yourself if you
choose," she said, laughing and blushing, for she knew very well what
he meant.

He stooped and snatched a kiss from her ruby lips, then walked away
sighing softly to himself, "Ah, little Elsie, if I were but ten years
younger!"

She tripped across the lawn, and entering the open door of her
boudoir, found herself in her father's arms. He had witnessed the
little scene just enacted between Mr. Travilla and herself, had
noticed something in his friend's look and manner that had never
struck him before. He folded his child close to his heart for an
instant then held her off a little, gazing fondly into her face.

"You are mine; you belong to me; no other earthly creature has the