Now tell me what troubled you, my own one ?" "I am afraid you will be angry with me, papa," she said, almost under her breath.
"Not half so angry as if you refuse to give me your confidence.

I would be glad to know that my little daughter had not a single thought or feeling concealed from me." He paused a moment, looking down at the little blushing face, half hidden on his breast, then went on: "Elsie, daughter, you are more precious to me than aught else in the wide world, and you need not fear that any other can ever take your place in my heart, or that I will make any connection that would render you unhappy.

I want no one to love but my little girl; and you must not let the gossip of the servants disturb you." Elsie looked up in unfeigned astonishment.
"Papa! you seem to know everything about me.

Can you read my thoughts ?" "_Almost_, when I can see your face," he answered, smiling at her puzzled look.

"I cannot quite, though; but I can put things together and make a pretty good guess, sometimes." She lay still on his breast for a moment; then, raising her eyes timidly to his face again, she said in a half-hesitating way, "I am afraid it is very naughty in me, papa, but I can't help thinking that Miss Stevens is very disagreeable.