"It is a gloomy, unwholesome dress, and I have grown very weary of seeing you wear it.

It would be very gratifying to me to see you exchange it for more cheerful attire." "But black is considered the most suitable dress for old and elderly ladies, papa; and I am a grandmother, you know." "What of that ?" he said, a trifle impatiently; "you do not look old, and are, in fact, just in the prime of life.

And it is not like you to be concerned about what people may think or say.

Usually your only inquiry is, 'Is it right ?' 'Is it what I ought to do ?'" "I fear that is a deserved reproof, papa," she said, with unaffected humility; "and I shall be governed by your wishes in this matter, for they have been law to me almost all my life (a law I have loved to obey, dear father), and I know that if my husband were here he would approve of my decision." She could not entirely suppress a sigh as she spoke, nor keep the tears from filling her eyes.
Her father saw and appreciated the sacrifice she would make for him.
"Thank you, my darling," he said.

"It seems selfish in me to ask it of you, but though partly for my own gratification, it is really still more for your sake; I think the change will be for your health and happiness." "And I have the highest opinion of my father's wisdom," she said, "and should never, never think of selfishness as connected with him." Mrs.Dinsmore came in at this moment.
"Ah, my dear," she said, "I was in search of you.