hard it was, whenever he did not bid her do anything wrong. And now,
Horace," she concluded, "I want you to give me the pleasure of carrying
this letter to her, with your permission to read it. I'm sure she
deserves it."

"Perhaps so; but I am sure _you_ don't, Adelaide, after tampering with
the child's conscience in that manner. You may send her to me, though, if
you will," he said, holding out his hand for the letter. "But are you
quite sure that she really wanted to see it, and felt assured that she
might do so without my knowledge?"

"Perfectly certain of it," replied his sister confidently.

They chatted for a few moments longer; Adelaide praising Elsie, and
persuading him to treat her with more indulgence; and he, much pleased
with this proof of her dutifulness, half promising to do so; and then
Adelaide went back to her room, despatching a servant on her way to tell
Elsie that her papa desired to see her immediately.

Elsie received the message with profound alarm; for not dreaming of the
true cause, her fears at once suggested that he probably intended putting
his late threat into execution. She spent one moment in earnest prayer
for strength to bear her trial, and then hastened, pale and trembling, to
his presence.

How great, then, was her surprise to see him, as she entered, hold out
his hand with a smile, saying, in the kindest tone, "Come here to me, my
daughter!"

She obeyed, gazing wonderingly into his face.

He drew her to him; lifted her to his knee; folded her in his arms,
and kissed her tenderly. He had not bestowed such a loving caress upon
her--nor indeed ever kissed her at all, excepting on the evening after
Chloe's departure--since that unhappy scene in his sick-room; and Elsie,
scarcely able to believe she was awake, and not dreaming, hid her face on
his breast, and wept for joy.

"Your aunt has been here telling me what passed between you this
afternoon," said he, repeating his caress, "and I am much pleased with
this proof of your obedience; and as a reward I will give you permission,
not only to read the letter she offered you, but also the one I retained.
And I will allow you to write to Miss Allison once, in answer to them,
the letter passing through my hands. I have also promised, at your aunt's
solicitation, to remove some of the restrictions I have placed upon you,
and I now give you the same liberty to go about the house and grounds
which you formerly enjoyed. Your books and to