"
"I think not, papa; unless she proves very head-strong; but you surely
cannot mean to advise us not to require the prompt, cheerful, implicit
obedience you have always exacted from all your children?"
"No, daughter; though you might sometimes excuse or pardon a little
forgetfulness when the order has not been of vital importance," he
answered, with a smile.
There was a moment's silence: then looking affectionately into her
father's face, Elsie said, "I am so glad, papa, that we have had this
talk. Edward and I have had several on the same subject (for we are very,
very anxious to train our little one aright); and I find that we all
agree. But you must be tired acting the part of nurse. Please lay her in
my arms."
"I am not tired, but I see you want her," he answered with a smile, doing
as she requested.
"Ah, you precious wee pet! you lovely, lovely little darling!" the young
mother said, clasping her child to her bosom, and softly kissing the
velvet cheek. "Papa, is she really beautiful? or is it only the mother
love that makes her so in my eyes?"
"No; she is really a remarkably beautiful babe. Strangers pronounce her so
as well as ourselves. Do you feel quite strong enough to hold her?"
"Oh, yes, sir; yes, indeed! The doctor says he thinks there would now be
no danger in my lifting her, but----" laughingly, and with a fond look up
into her husband's eyes, as at that moment he entered the room, "that old
tyrant is so fearful of an injury to this piece of his personal property,
that he won't let me.
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