"
"And that reminds me; I was so afraid your father would not let you come
to see me. But--you are your own mistress now, of course."
"Papa tells me so sometimes," laughed Elsie, "and yet I know he would be
greatly surprised should I take the liberty of doing anything he would not
approve. I asked his permission to come, and he not only gave consent but
brought me himself."
"That was good in him; but I hope he won't hurry you away. I want to hear
about your European conquests, and have ever so much to say besides."
"No, he has kindly promised me time for a long talk. Besides, I can ride
over any day and supplement it with another."
Mr. Dinsmore was as good as his word; their chat had lasted more than an
hour when his summons came, yet Lucy declared it had not been half long
enough, and would not be satisfied to let Elsie go without a promise to
come again very soon.
* * * * *
"Roselands, too, looks very natural, and very homelike," remarked Mr.
Dinsmore, as they rode up its avenue.
"Yes, papa; and yet, do you know, it seems to me it has grown smaller and
less grand since I lived here as a child."
"Ah! did you think it very grand then, daughter?" he asked, turning to her
with a smile.
"I believe so, papa; but it is beautiful yet, even after all the fine
places we have seen in our own country and Europe.
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