'As thy days so shall thy strength be.'" Little Elsie had long ago given her heart to Jesus; love to him was the ruling motive of her life, and to please and honor him she was ready to do or endure anything.

"I will try, mamma," she said, "and you too will ask God to help me ?" Mamma gave the promise, sealing it with a very tender kiss.
Mr.Ross was going down to New York the next morning, and it was soon arranged that his wife, Mrs.Travilla and little Elsie, should accompany him.
Mrs.Ross had some shopping to do, but would first take the two Elsies to her dentist, so that the little girl's trial might be over as soon as possible and she able to enjoy some sight-seeing afterward.

Baby Lily was better and could be safely entrusted for the day to Aunt Chloe's faithful care.
The plan was concealed from the Ross children because, as their mother said, "it was the only way to have any peace." So they were allowed to sleep until the travelers had taken an early breakfast and gone.
The little Travillas, however, were up and saw the departure, bidding a cheerful good-bye to "mamma and sister Elsie," sending wistful, longing looks after the carriage as it rolled away, but making no complaint that they were left behind.
"Poor dear Elsie!" Vi said with tears in her eyes, "it's just dreadful that she must have that tooth extricated." "Extracted," corrected Eddie.

"Vi, you seem to forget what mamma says:--that you should never use a big word unless you are sure you have it right; or when a little one would do as well." "What little one ?" "Pulled." "Couldn't it be pulled and not come out ?" "Well then you might say pulled out." "I like the other word best," persisted Vi.

"But we needn't be particular about words when Elsie's going to be so dreadfully hurt." Herbert burst out crying at that.
"Why Herbie what ails you ?" asked Vi, putting her arms round his neck and giving him a kiss.
"I don't want the mans to hurt my Elsie," sobbed the little fellow, "maybe dey'll kill her." "Oh, no, they won't! mamma will never let them do that.