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Finley, Martha, 1828-1909

"Elsie's Womanhood"

Travilla; "stay
with papa."
"But she shall kiss her mamma, dear, precious little pet," Elsie said.
"Please hold her close for a minute, papa, and let her kiss her mother."
He complied under protest, in which Mr. Dinsmore joined, that he feared it
would be too much for her; and the soft baby hands patted the wan cheeks,
the tiny rosebud mouth was pressed again and again to the pale lips with
rapturous cooings, "Mamma, mamma!"
"There, pet, that will do," said her father. "Now, see what mamma has for
you."
"Look, mother's darling," Elsie said with a glad smile, exposing to view
the tiny face by her side.
"Baby!" cried the little girl, with a joyous shout, clapping her chubby
hands, "pretty baby Elsie take"; and the small arms were held out
entreatingly.
"No, Elsie is too little to hold it," said her papa; "but she may kiss it
very softly."
The child availed herself of the permission, then gently patting the
newcomer, repeated her glad cry, "Baby, pretty baby."
"Elsie's little brother," said her mamma, tenderly. "Now, dearest, let
mammy take her away," she added, sinking back on her pillows with a weary
sigh.
He complied, then bent over her with a look of concern. "I should not have
brought her in," he said anxiously; "it has been too much for you.


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