Your books and toys shall also be returned to you, and you may take your meals with the family whenever you choose." "Thank you, papa, you are very kind," replied the little girl; but her heart sank, for she understood from his words that she was not restored to favor as she had for a moment fondly imagined.
Neither spoke again for some moments.

Each felt that this delightful reunion--for it was delightful to both--this enjoyment of the interchange of mutual affection, could not last.
Silent caresses, mingled with sobs and tears on Elsie's part, passed between them; and at length Mr.Dinsmore said, "Elsie, my daughter, I hope you are now ready to make the confession and promises I require ?" "Oh, papa! dear papa!" she said, looking up into his face with the tears streaming down her own, "have I not been punished enough for that?
and can you not just punish me whenever I disobey you, without requiring any promise ?" "Stubborn yet, Elsie," he answered with a frown.

"No; as I have told you before, my word is as the law of the Medes and Persians, which altered not.

I have required the confession and promise, and _you must make them_." He set her down, but she lingered a moment.

"Once more, Elsie, I ask you," he said, "will you obey ?" She shook her head; she could not speak.
"Then go," said her father.