As soon, however, as he returned, and heard how ill his friend had been, he called to express his sympathy, and congratulate him on his recovery.
He found Mr.Dinsmore seated in an easy-chair in the library, still looking weak and ill, and more depressed in spirits than he had ever seen him.
"Ah! Dinsmore, my dear fellow, I hear you have been very ill; and, indeed, I must say you are looking far from well yet," Travilla exclaimed in his cheerful, hearty way, shaking his friend's hand warmly.

"I think my little friend, Elsie, has deserted her post almost too soon; but I suppose you have sent her back to her lessons again," he remarked, glancing around as if in search of her.
"I have no need of nursing now," replied Mr.Dinsmore, with a sad sort of smile.

"I am able to ride, and even to walk out, and shall, I hope, soon be quite myself again." He then introduced another topic of conversation, and they chatted for some time.
At length Mr.Travilla drew out his watch.
"I see it is past school-hours," he said; "might I see my little friend?
I have brought a little gift for her, and should like to present it in person." Mr.Dinsmore had become quite animated and cheerful during their previous conversation, but a great change came over his face while Mr.Travilla was making his request, and the expression of his countenance was very cold and stern, as he replied, "I thank you, Travilla, on her behalf; but, if you please, I would much prefer your not giving her anything at present, for, I am sorry to say, Elsie has been very stubborn and rebellious of late, and is quite undeserving of any indulgence." Mr.Travilla looked exceedingly astonished.

"Is it _possible_!" he exclaimed.

"Really, I have had such an exalted opinion of Elsie's goodness, that I could not have credited such a charge from any one but her father." "No, nor could I," replied Mr.Dinsmore, leaning his head upon his hand with a heavy sigh; "but it is as I tell you, and you see now that I have some cause for the depression of spirits upon which you have been rallying me.