All the time on the mother's lap, her eyes
scarce moving from the dear little face; her breath almost suspended, lest
that life-giving slumber should be broken.
In vain husband and father in turn entreated to be allowed to relieve her.
"No, oh no!" she whispered. "I cannot have her disturbed; it might cost
her life."
This was the turning point in the disease, and from that time the little
one began to amend. But very weak and frail, she was still in need of
weeks of continued tender, careful nursing.
"Mamma's lap" was the place preferred above all others; but patient and
unselfish, she yielded without a murmur when invited to the arms of papa,
grandpa, Rose, or nurse, and told that "dear mamma was tired and needed
rest."
Elsie was indeed much reduced in health and strength; but love, joy, and
thankfulness helped her to recuperate rapidly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
"What fates impose, that men must needs abide.
It boots not to resist both wind and tide."
--SHAKESPEARE'S HENRY VI.
From the time of Mr. Lincoln's election Walter Dinsmore's home had been
made very uncomfortable to him; after the fall of Sumter it was well-nigh
unendurable.
Never were two brothers more entirely unlike than he and Arthur; the
latter, selfish, proud, haughty, self-willed, passionate, and reckless of
consequences to himself or others; the former sweet-tempered, amiable, and
affectionate, but lacking in firmness and self-reliance.
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