Elsie at Nantucket | Page 7

that is a deserved reproof, papa," she said, with unaffected
humility; "and I shall be governed by your wishes in this matter, for
they have been law to me almost all my life (a law I have loved to obey,
dear father), and I know that if my husband were here he would
approve of my decision."
She could not entirely suppress a sigh as she spoke, nor keep the tears
from filling her eyes.
Her father saw and appreciated the sacrifice she would make for him.
"Thank you, my darling," he said. "It seems selfish in me to ask it of
you, but though partly for my own gratification, it is really still more
for your sake; I think the change will be for your health and happiness."
"And I have the highest opinion of my father's wisdom," she said, "and
should never, never think of selfishness as connected with him."
Mrs. Dinsmore came in at this moment.
"Ah, my dear," she said, "I was in search of you. What is to be done
about Bob and Betty Johnson? You know they will be coming home in
a day or two for their summer vacation."
"They can stay at Roselands with their cousins Calhoun and Arthur
Conly; or at the Oaks, if Horace and his family do not join us in the trip

to Nantucket."
"Cannot Bob and Betty go with us, papa?" Elsie asked. "I have no
doubt it would be a very great treat to them."
"Our party promises to be very large," he replied; "but if you two ladies
are agreed to invite them I shall raise no objection."
"Shall we not, mamma?" Elsie asked, and Rose gave a hearty assent.
"Now, how much dressmaking has to be done before the family can be
ready for the trip?" asked Mr. Dinsmore.
"Very little," the ladies told him, Elsie adding, "At least if you are
willing to let me wear black dresses when it is too cool for white, papa.
Mamma, he has asked me to lay aside my mourning."
"I knew he intended to," Rose said, "and I think you are a dear good
daughter to do it."
"It is nothing new; she has always been the best of daughters," Mr.
Dinsmore remarked, with a tenderly affectionate look at Elsie. "And,
my dear child, I certainly shall not ask you to stay a day longer than
necessary in this hot place, merely to have new dresses made when you
have enough even of black ones. We must set sail as soon as possible.
Now, I must have a little business chat with you. Don't go, Rose; it is
nothing that either of us would care to have you hear."
CHAPTER II.
"Where the broad ocean leans against the land."
--Goldsmith.
Elsie felt somewhat apprehensive that this early laying aside of her
mourning for their father might not meet the approval of her older son
and daughters; but it gave them pleasure; one and all were delighted to
see her resume the dress of the happy days when he was with them.

Zoe, too, was very much pleased. "Mamma," she said, "you do look so
young and lovely in white; and it was so nice in you to begin wearing it
again on the anniversary of our wedding-day. Just think, it's a whole
year to-day since Edward and I were married. How fast time flies!"
"Yes," Elsie said; "it seems a very little while since I was as young and
light-hearted as you are now, and now I am a grandmother."
"But still happy; are you not, mamma? you always seem so to me."
"Yes, my child; I have a very peaceful, happy life. I miss my husband,
but I know the separation is only for a short time, and that he is
supremely blessed. And with my beloved father and dear children about
me, heart and hands are full--delightfully full--leaving no room for
sadness and repining." This little talk was on the veranda, as the two
stood there for a moment apart from the others. Zoe was looking quite
bride-like in a white India mull, much trimmed with rich lace, her fair
neck and arms adorned with a set of beautiful pearls, just presented her
by Edward in commemoration of the day.
She called Elsie's attention to them. "See, mamma, what my husband
has given me in memory of the day. Are they not magnificent?"
"It is a very fine set," Elsie answered, with a smile, glancing admiringly
at the jewels and from them to the blooming face of the wearer. "A
most suitable gift for his little wife."
"He's so good to me, mamma," Zoe said, with warmth. "I love him
better every day we live together, and couldn't think of leaving him
behind alone, when you