"Just a moment, papa, please," she answered in a slightly unsteady voice;
"let me speak to them all." He yielded, but cut short the garrulity of
some who would have liked to mingle reminiscences of her baby-hood with
their rejoicing over her return, telling them they must reserve such
communication for a more suitable time, as their young mistress was faint
and weary, and must have rest.
The appearance of Chloe and her recovered husband upon the scene, now
created a diversion in their favor, and he presently succeeded in leading
Elsie to the house.
A young mulatto girl followed them into the drawing-room, where a bright
wood-fire was blazing on the hearth, asking if she should take Miss
Elsie's things.
"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, removing his daughter's hat and shawl, and
handing them to her.
She left the room; and taking Elsie in his arms, and gently laying her
head upon his breast, "Let the tears have their way, darling," he said,
"it will do you good."
For several minutes the tears came in floods. "Oh, papa," she sobbed, "to
think that my people, my poor people, should be so served. It must never,
never be again!"
"No," he said, "we will find means to prevent it. There, you feel better
now, do you not?"
"Yes, sir. Papa dear, welcome, welcome to my house; the dearest guest
that could come to it.
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