"Now, papa, for our tour of inspection," she cried gayly, rising as she
spoke, and ringing for a servant to carry the light. "But first please
tell me if I was sufficiently moderate."
"You did very well," he answered, smiling. "You take to the role of
mistress much more naturally than I expected."
"Yet it does seem very odd to me to be giving orders while you sit by a
mere looker-on. But, dear papa, please remember I am still your own child,
and ready to submit to your authority, whenever you see fit to exert it."
"I know it, my darling," he said, passing an arm about her waist, as they
stood together in front of the fire, and gazing fondly down into the sweet
fair face.
Aunt Chloe answered the bell, bringing a lamp in her hand.
"That is right, mammy," Elsie said. "Now lead the way over the house."
As they passed from room to room, and from one spacious hall or corridor
to another, Elsie expressed her entire satisfaction with them and their
appointments, and accorded to Aunt Phillis the meed of praise due her
careful housekeeping.
"And here, my darling," Mr. Dinsmore said at length, leading the way
through a beautiful boudoir and dressing-room into an equally elegant and
attractive bedroom beyond, "they tell me you were born, and your beloved
mother passed from earth to heaven.
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