s arm--but it seemed hard
work; the tiny hands trembled so with weakness and he would not let her
finish.

"You must wait until another day, dearest," he said, taking her in his
arms; "you are not strong enough yet, and I think I will have to _carry_
you through the other rooms, if you are to see them at all. Shall I?"

She assented, laying her head down languidly on his shoulder, and had
very little to say, as he bore her along through the dressing-room, and
into the bed-room beyond.

The bed looked very inviting with its snowy drapery, and he laid her
gently down upon it, saying, "You are too much fatigued to attempt
anything more, and must take a nap now, my pet, to recruit yourself
a little before dinner."

"Don't leave me, papa! _please_ don't!" she exclaimed, half starting up
as he turned toward the door.

"No, dearest," he said, "I am only going to get your shawl to lay over
you, and will be back again in a moment."

He returned almost immediately, but found her already fast asleep.

"Poor darling! she is quite worn out," he murmured, as he spread the
shawl carefully over her. Then taking a book from his pocket, he sat down
by her side, and read until she awoke.

It was the sound of the dinner-bell which had roused her, and as she sat
up looking quite bright and cheerful again, he asked if she thought she
could eat some dinner, and would like to be taken to the dining-room.
She assented, and he carried her there, seated her in an easy-chair,
wheeled it up to the table, and then sat down opposite to her, looking
supremely happy.

The servants were about to uncover the dishes, but motioning them to
wait a moment, Mr. Dinsmore bowed his head over his plate, and asked a
blessing on their food. It sent a glow of happiness to Elsie's little,
pale face, and she loved and respected her father more than ever. She
seemed to enjoy her dinner, and he watched her with a pleased look.

"The change of air has done you good already, I think," he remarked; "you
seem to have a better appetite than you have had since your sickness."

"Yes, papa, I believe everything tastes good because it is home," she
answered, smiling lovingly up at him.

After dinner he held her on his knee a while, chatting pleasantly with
her about their plans for the future; and then, laying her on the sofa
in her pretty boudoir, he brought a book from his library, and read
to her.

It was a very interesting story he had chosen; and he had bee