least shadow of a right or title in you; do you know that?"

"Yes, papa, and rejoice to know it," she murmured, putting her arms
about his neck and laying her head against his breast.

"Ah!" he said, sighing, "you will not always be able to say that, I
fear. One of these days you will--" He broke off abruptly, without
finishing his sentence.

She looked up inquiringly into his face.

He answered her look with a smile and a tender caress. "I had better
not put the nonsense into your head: it will get there soon enough
without my help. Come now, let us have the lessons. I expect to find
them well prepared, as usual."

"I hope so, papa," she answered, bringing her books and seating
herself on a stool at his feet, he having taken possession of an
easy-chair.

The recitations seemed a source of keen enjoyment to both; the one
loving to impart, and the other to receive, knowledge.

Mr. Dinsmore gave the deserved meed of warm praise for the faithful
preparation of each allotted task, prescribed those for the coming
day, and the books were laid aside.

"Come here, daughter," he said, as she closed her desk upon them, "I
have something to say to you."