The moment they
entered George exultingly saw that the skies were serene.
But Elsie would never be the frolicsome child of the past again.
As she surprised the family at dinner, so now at supper they could
scarcely believe that the elegant, graceful young lady was the
witch of yesterday. She had resolved with all her soul to try to
win some place in Mr. Stanhope's respect before he departed, and
never did a little maiden succeed better.
In the evening they had music; and Mr. Stanhope pleased them all
with his fine tenor, while Elsie delighted him by her clear,
birdlike voice. So the hours fled away.
"You think better of the 'horrid man,' little Sis," said George,
as he kissed her good-night.
"I was the horrid one," said Elsie, penitently. "I can never
forgive myself my absurd conduct. But he has promised to come
again next Thanksgiving, and give me a chance to do better; so
don't you fail to bring him."
George gave a long, low whistle, and then said: "Oh! ah! Seems to
me you are coming on, for an innocent. Are we to get mixed up
again in the twilight?"
"Nonsense!" said Elsie, with a peony face, and she slammed her
door upon him.
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