"Why, what is the child doing? playing with your jewels, Elsie?" asked Mr.
Dinsmore in a tone of surprise, noticing for the first time what was the
employment of his little granddaughter.
"Yes, papa; but she is very careful, and I am watching her."
"I should not allow it, if she were my child. No, Rosie, you may not; you
are not a careful little girl."
Rosie was beginning to pout, but catching the stern look in her father's
eye, quickly gave it up, her face clearing as if by magic.
"Papa," Elsie asked in a low tone, "do you wish me to take away those
costly playthings from my little girl?"
"My dear daughter," he said, smiling tenderly upon her, "I have neither
the right nor the wish to interfere with you and your children; especially
when your husband approves of your management. I only fear you may suffer
loss. How easy a valuable ring may slip through the little fingers and
roll away into some crevice where it would never be found."
"I'm afraid it is rather hazardous," she acknowledged. "Mammy, sit close
to Elsie and keep a careful watch, lest she should drop something."
"I begin to think there's truth in the old saw, 'It's hard to teach old
dogs new tricks,'" remarked Mr. Travilla, with a comically rueful face.
"I've a mind to give it up.
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