What do you say, Dinsmore?"
"That you wouldn't make a good soldier, if you are so easily conquered,
Travilla."
"Oh, fighting's another thing, but I'll persevere as long as you do;
unless I find I'm wearying my teacher."
"Perhaps you would learn faster with a better teacher," said Elsie, "I'm
sure the fault is not in the scholar; because I know he's bright and
talented."
"Ah! then I shall try harder than ever, to save your reputation; but take
a recess now, for here comes my boy, reaching out his arms to papa. Bring
him here Dinah. Papa's own boy, he looks beautiful and as bright as the
day."
"Mamma thinks he's a very handsome mixture of papa and grandpa," Elsie
said, leaning over to caress the babe, now crowing in his father's arms.
"I'm afraid he inherits too much of his grandpa's temper," remarked Mr.
Dinsmore, but with a glance of loving pride bestowed upon the beautiful
babe.
"I, for one, have no objection, provided he learns to control it as well,"
said Mr. Travilla; "he will make the finer character."
Little Elsie had grown weary of her play.
"Put box way now, mammy," she said, getting up from her cushion; "wee
Elsie don't want any more. Mamma take; Elsie so tired."
The baby voice sounded weak and languid, and tottering to her mother's
side, she almost fell into her lap.
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