You may send her to me, though, if you will," he said, holding out his hand for the letter.

"But are you quite sure that she really wanted to see it, and felt assured that she might do so without my knowledge ?" "Perfectly certain of it," replied his sister confidently.
They chatted for a few moments longer; Adelaide praising Elsie, and persuading him to treat her with more indulgence; and he, much pleased with this proof of her dutifulness, half promising to do so; and then Adelaide went back to her room, despatching a servant on her way to tell Elsie that her papa desired to see her immediately.
Elsie received the message with profound alarm; for not dreaming of the true cause, her fears at once suggested that he probably intended putting his late threat into execution.

She spent one moment in earnest prayer for strength to bear her trial, and then hastened, pale and trembling, to his presence.
How great, then, was her surprise to see him, as she entered, hold out his hand with a smile, saying, in the kindest tone, "Come here to me, my daughter!" She obeyed, gazing wonderingly into his face.
He drew her to him; lifted her to his knee; folded her in his arms, and kissed her tenderly.

He had not bestowed such a loving caress upon her--nor indeed ever kissed her at all, excepting on the evening after Chloe's departure--since that unhappy scene in his sick-room; and Elsie, scarcely able to believe she was awake, and not dreaming, hid her face on his breast, and wept for joy.
"Your aunt has been here telling me what passed between you this afternoon," said he, repeating his caress, "and I am much pleased with this proof of your obedience; and as a reward I will give you permission, not only to read the letter she offered you, but also the one I retained.
And I will allow you to write to Miss Allison once, in answer to them, the letter passing through my hands.

I have also promised, at your aunt's solicitation, to remove some of the restrictions I have placed upon you, and I now give you the same liberty to go about the house and grounds which you formerly enjoyed.