But if less severe measures fail, I shall feel compelled to try it, for I am more anxious than I can tell you to bring Elsie to unconditional obedience." "Here is a letter for you, Elsie," said her grandfather, the next morning, at the breakfast-table.

"Here, Pomp"-- to the servant--"hand this to Miss Elsie." The child's eyes sparkled with pleasure, and she held out her hand eagerly to take it.
But her father interfered.
"No, Pomp," he said, "bring it to me; and remember, in future, that _I_ am to receive _all_ Miss Elsie's letters." Elsie relinquished it instantly, without a word of remonstrance, but her heart was so full that she could not eat another morsel; and in spite of all her efforts the tears would come into her eyes, as she saw her father deliberately open and read the letter, and then refold and put it into his pocket.

He looked at her as he did so, and seeing the tears rolling down her cheeks, sternly bade her leave the room, She obeyed, feeling more angry and rebellious toward him than she ever had before.

It seemed so cruel and unjust to deprive her of her own letters; one of Miss Rose's--as she knew it must be, for she had no other correspondent--which never contained anything but what was good, and kind, and comforting.

They were always a great treat to the little girl, and she had been longer than usual without one, and had been looking longingly for it every day for several weeks past; for sad and lonely as her days now were, she felt very keenly the need of her friend's sympathy and love; and now to have this letter taken from her just as she laid her hand upon it, seemed a disappointment almost too great to be endured.