ld
start and tremble, and change color at the very sound of her father's
step or voice--those sounds which she had once so loved to hear--and the
little face became thin and pale, and an expression of deep and touching
sadness settled down upon it.

Love was as necessary to Elsie's health and happiness as sunshine to the
flowers, and even as the keen winds and biting frosts of winter wilt and
wither the tender blossoms, so did all this coldness and severity, the
gentle, sensitive spirit of the little child.

Mr. Travilla had called several times during the early part of Mr.
Dinsmore's illness, while Elsie had been his nurse, and she sometimes
wondered that she had seen nothing of him during all these sorrowful
weeks; but the truth was, Mr. Travilla had been absent from home, and
knew nothing of all that had been going on at Roselands. As soon,
however, as he returned, and heard how ill his friend had been, he
called to express his sympathy, and congratulate him on his recovery.

He found Mr. Dinsmore seated in an easy-chair in the library, still
looking weak and ill, and more depressed in spirits than he had ever
seen him.

"Ah! Dinsmore, my dear fellow, I hear you have been very ill; and,
indeed, I must say you are looking far from well yet," Travilla exclaimed
in his cheerful, hearty way, shaking his friend's hand warmly. "I think
my little friend, Elsie, has deserted her post almost too soon; but I
suppose you have sent her back to her lessons again," he remarked,
glancing around as if in search of her.

"I have no need of nursing now," replied Mr. Dinsmore, with a sad sort of
smile. "I am able to ride, and even to walk out, and shall, I hope, soon
be quite myself again."

He then introduced another topic of conversation, and they chatted for
some time.

At length Mr. Travilla drew out his watch.

"I see it is past school-hours," he said; "might I see my little friend?
I have brought a little gift for her, and should like to present it in
person."

Mr. Dinsmore had become quite animated and cheerful during their previous
conversation, but a great change came over his face while Mr. Travilla
was making his request, and the expression of his countenance was very
cold and stern, as he replied, "I thank you, Travilla, on her behalf;
but, if you please, I would much prefer your not giving her anything
at present, for, I am sorry to say, Elsie has been very stubborn and
rebellious of late, and is quite undeserv