His face was very pale and sad, too, but withal wore an expression of firm determination.
Elsie laid her head on his shoulder, and sobbed out her tears and entreaties that he would not leave her.
"It depends entirely upon yourself, Elsie," he said presently.

"I gave you warning some time since that I would not keep a rebellious child in my sight; and while you continue such, either you or I must be banished from home, and I prefer to exile myself rather than you; but a submissive child I will not leave.

It is not yet too late; you have only to yield to my requirements, and I will stay at home, or delay my journey for a few days, and take you with me.

But if you prefer separation from me to giving up your own self-will, you have no one to blame but yourself." He waited a moment, then said: "Once more I ask you, Elsie, will you obey me ?" "Oh, papa, always, if--" "Hush!" he said sternly; "you _know_ that will not do;" and setting her down, he rose to go.
But she clung to him with desperate energy.

"Oh, papa," she sobbed, "when will you come back ?" "That depends upon _you_, Elsie," he said.