But you would not have things
different now if you could? have no desire to."
"No, daughter, no; yet, unreasonable as it is, the thought will come,
bringing sadness with it, that to-night you resign my name, and my house
ceases to be your only home."
"Papa, I shall never resign the name dear to me because inherited from
you: I shall only add to it; your house shall always be one of my dear
homes, and I shall be your own, own daughter, your own child, as truly as
I ever have been. Is it not so?"
"Yes, yes, my precious little comforter."
"And you are not going to give me away--ah, papa, I could never bear that
any more than you; you are taking a partner in the concern," she added
with playful tenderness, smiling archly through gathering tears.
Again he wiped them hastily away. "Did ever father have such a dear
daughter?" he said, gazing fondly down into the sweet face. "I ought to be
the happiest of men. I believe I am----"
"Except one," exclaimed a joyous voice, at sound of which Elsie's eyes
brightened and the color deepened on her cheek. "May I come in?"
"Yes, Travilla," said Mr. Dinsmore; "you have now an equal right with me."
Travilla thought his was superior, or would be after the ceremony, but
generously refrained from saying so.
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