Dinsmore.
"Yes, sir; but he's going home again to-night, and then he'll come
back for us next week."
"I must go in and speak to him," said Mr. Dinsmore. "Elsie, do you
entertain Lucy."
"Yes, sir, I will," said Elsie. "Come with me to my room, won't
you, Lucy?"
"Yes; but won't you speak to mamma first? and Herbert, too; you
are such a favorite with both of them; and they still are in the
dressing-room, for mamma is not very well, and was quite fatigued
with her ride."
Lucy led the way to her mamma's room, as she spoke, Elsie
following.
"Ah! Elsie dear, how do you do? I'm delighted to see you," said
Mrs. Carrington, rising from the sofa as they entered.
Then, drawing the little girl closer to her, she passed her arm
affectionately around her waist, and kissed her several times.
"I suppose you are very happy now that your papa has come home at
last?" she said, looking searchingly into Elsie's face. "I
remember you used to be looking forward so to his return;
constantly talking of it and longing for it."
Poor Elsie, conscious that her father's presence had not brought
with it the happiness she had anticipated, and yet unwilling
either to acknowledge that fact or tell an untruth, was at a loss
what to say.
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