"
"Well, if you did not intend to let her go, I think you might have
said so at first, and not left the poor child to build her hopes
upon it, only to be disappointed. I must say I think it was
cruel."
"Until this morning, Adelaide," he replied, "I did intend to let
her go, for I expected to go myself; but I find I shall not be
able to do so, as I must meet a gentleman on business; and as I
know that accidents frequently occur to such pleasure parties, I
don't feel willing to let Elsie go, unless I could be there myself
to take care of her. Whether you believe it or not, it is really
regard for my child's safety, and _not_ cruelty, that leads
me to refuse her this gratification."
"You are full of notions about that child, Horace," said Adelaide,
a little impatiently. "I'm sure some of the rest of us could take
care of her."
"No; in case of accident you would all have enough to do to take
care of yourselves, and I shall not think of trusting Elsie in the
company, since I cannot be there myself," he answered decidedly;
and Adelaide, seeing he was not to be moved from his determination,
gave up the attempt, and left the room to prepare for her ride.
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