You are old enough now to do so, and I hope do not wish to shirk the responsibility, since God, in His good providence, has laid it upon you." He spoke very gravely and Elsie's face reflected the expression of his.
"No, I do not wish it now, papa," she said, in a low, sweet voice.

"I will undertake it, asking Him for wisdom and grace to do it aright." They were busy for the next hour or two over the papers.
"There!" cried Elsie, at length, "we have examined the last one, and I think I understand it all pretty thoroughly." "I think you do.

And now another thing; ought you not to go and see for yourself your property in Louisiana ?" Elsie assented, on condition that he would take her.
"Certainly, my dear child, can you suppose I would ever think of permitting you to go alone ?" "Thank you, papa.

And if poor mammy objects this time, she may take her choice of going or staying; but go I must, and see how my poor people are faring at Viamede.

I have dim, dreamy recollections of it as a kind of earthly paradise.