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Finley, Martha, 1828-1909

"Elsie's Womanhood"


"I am glad that your home must be with me for the present, daughter, if
you can only enjoy it," said her father, who, still ever watchful over
her happiness, had followed to soothe and comfort her. "It grieves me that
your feelings should have been so wounded," he added, seating himself on
the other side, and taking her hand in his.
"Thank you, dear papa; it is for you and mamma, even more than myself,
that I feel hurt."
"Then never mind it, dearest. Enna has already coolly told me that she and
Louise have settled themselves in the west wing, with their children and
servants; where they purpose to maintain a separate establishment, having
no desire to associate with any of us; though I, of course, am to supply
their table at my own expense, as well as whatever else is needed," he
added, with a slight laugh of mingled amusement and vexation.
"Considering it a great privilege to be permitted to do so, I presume,"
Mr. Travilla remarked, a little sarcastically.
"Of course; for cool impudence Enna certainly exceeds every other person
of my acquaintance."
"You must let us share the privilege."
"Thanks; but we will talk of that at another time. I know you and Elsie
have dreaded the bad influence of Enna's spoiled children upon yours; and
I, too, have feared it for them, and for Rosebud; but there is to be no
communication between theirs and ours; Louise's one set, and Enna's two,
keeping to their own side of the building and grounds, and ours not
intruding upon them.


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