"
"Oh, papa, can't I ride on ahead a little, now and then, or fall a few
paces behind if I wish?"
"No; you may do just what I have given permission for, and nothing else."
CHAPTER FOURTH.
"Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
In ev'ry gesture, dignity and love."
--MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
"But, Elsie, what of Mr. Travilla?" asked her father, as he handed her
into the saddle.
"He will not be here till evening, sir," she answered, the rose on her
cheek deepening slightly.
"Then I can have undisturbed possession for to-day at least," replied Mr.
Dinsmore, mounting. "We couldn't have a lovelier day for a ride."
"Nor better company," added Elsie, archly, keeping her horse's head on a
line with that of her father's larger Steed, as they followed the winding
carriage road at a brisk canter.
"Why, you conceited little puss?" returned Mr. Dinsmore laughing.
Elsie blushed more deeply this time. "Why, papa, you are the company
to-day, are you not? I wished to go, and you kindly arranged to accompany
me."
"Ah! and that is how you look at it? Well, I recall my rebuke, and thank
you for your--what shall I say--pretty compliment, or appreciation of my
society?"
"Both, if you like.
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