CHAPTER III.
She twin'd--and her mother's gaze brought back Each hue of her childhood's faded track. Oh! hush the song, and let her tears Flow to the dream of her early years! Holy and pure are the drops that fall When the young bride goes from her father's hall; She goes unto love yet untried and new-- She parts from love which hath still been true.
--MRS. HEMANS' POEMS.
"How did it happen that Mr. Dinsmore was not of your party last night,Miss Stevens?" inquired one of the lady boarders the next morning atthe breakfast-table.
"He had been riding all the morning with his little girl, and Ipresume was too much fatigued to go again in the evening," MissStevens coolly replied, as she broke an egg into her cup, andproceeded very deliberately to season it.
"It seems he was not too much fatigued to walk," returned the other, alittle maliciously; "or to take a lady upon his arm."
Miss Stevens started, and looked up hastily.
"I would advise you to be on your guard, and play your cards well,or that quiet Miss Allison may prove a serious rival," the ladycontinued. "He certainly pays her a good deal of attention."
"It is easy to account for that," remarked Miss Stevens, with ascornful toss of the head; "he is very fond of his little girl, andtakes her out walking or riding every day, and this Miss Allison--whois, I presume, a kind of governess--indeed, it is evident that sheis, from the care she takes of the child--goes along as a matter ofcourse; but if you think Horace Dinsmore would look at a governess,you are greatly mistaken, for he is as proud as Lucifer, as well asthe rest of his family, though he does set up to be so very pious!"
"Excuse me, madam," observed a gentleman sitting near, "but you mustbe laboring under a misapprehension. I am well acquainted with theAllison family, and can assure you that the father is one of thewealthiest merchants in Philadelphia."
At this moment Mr. Dinsmore entered with Rose upon his arm, andleading Elsie with the other hand. They drew near the table; he handedMiss Allison to a seat and took his place beside her.
A slight murmur of surprise ran round the table, and all eyes wereturned upon Rose, who, feeling uncomfortably conscious of the fact,cast down her own in modest embarrassment, while Elsie, with a faceall smiles and dimples, sent a triumphant glance across the table atAnnie Hart, who was whispering to her mother, "See, mamma, she has Mr.Dinsmore's ring!"
That lady immediately called Miss Stevens' attention to it, which wasquite unnecessary, as she was already burning with rage at the sight.
"They walked out alone last evening, and that ring explains what theywere about," said Mrs. Hart, in an undertone. "I am really sorry foryou, Miss Stevens; for your prize has certainly slipped through yourfingers."
"I am much obliged to you," she replied, with a toss of her head; "butthere are as good fish in the sea as ever were caught."
The next moment she rose and left the table, Mrs. Hart following herinto the public parlor, and continuing the conversation by remarking,"I would sue him for breach of promise if I were you, Miss Stevens. Iunderstood you were engaged to him."
"I never said so; so what right had you to suppose it?" returned MissStevens snappishly.
And upon reflecting a moment, Mrs. Hart could not remember that shehad ever said so in plain terms, although she had hinted it manytimes--talking a great deal of Mr. Dinsmore's splendid establishment,and frequently speaking of the changes she thought would be desirablein Elsie's dress, just as though she expected some day to have itunder her control. Then, too, she had always treated Mr. Dinsmore withso much familiarity that it was perfectly natural strangers shouldsuppose they were engaged, even though he never reciprocated it;for that might be only because he was naturally reserved andundemonstrative; as indeed Miss Stevens frequently averred, seeming toregret it very deeply.
Presently she burst out, "I don't know why people are always so readyto talk! I don't care for Horace Dinsmore, and never did! There wasnever anything serious between us, though I must say he has paid memarked attentions, and given me every reason to suppose he meantsomething by them. I never gave him any encouragement, however; and sohe has been taken in by that artful creature. I thought he had moresense, and could see through her manoeuvers--coaxing and petting upthe child to curry favor with the father! I thank my stars that I amabove such mean tricks! I presume she thinks, now, she is making asplendid match; but if she doesn't repent of her bargain before shehas been married a year, I miss my guess! She'll never have her ownway--not a bit of it--I can tell her that. Everybody that knowshim will tell you that he is high-tempered and tyrannical, and asobstinate as a mule."
"The grapes are very sour, I think," whispered Mrs. Hart to her nextneighbor, who nodded and laughed.
"There is Elsie out on the veranda, now," said Annie. "I mean togo and ask her what Miss Allison had her father's ring for; may I,mamma?"
"Yes; go, child, if you want to; I should like to hear what she willsay; though, of course, everybody understands that there must be anengagement."
"Well, Elsie, what made you run away in such a hurry yesterday?" askedAnnie, running up to our little friend. "Did you ask your papa aboutthe new mamma?"
"I told him what you said, Annie, and it wasn't true," Elsie answered,with a glad look of joy. "I am going to have a new mother though, andpapa said I might tell you; but it is Miss Allison instead of MissStevens, and I am very glad, because I love her dearly."
"Is she your governess?"
"No, indeed! what made you ask?"
"Miss Stevens said so," replied Annie, laughing and running away. Andjust then Elsie's papa called her, and bade her go upstairs and haveher hat put on, as they were going out to walk.
Edward Allison had been talking with his sister in her room, and theycame down together to the veranda, where Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie werewaiting for them. Edward was looking very proud and happy, but Rose'sface was half hidden by her veil. She took Mr. Dinsmore's offered armand Elsie asked, "Aren't you going with us, Mr. Edward?"
"Not this time," he answered, smiling. "I have an engagement to play agame of chess with one of the ladies in the parlor yonder."
"Then I shall have papa's other hand," she said, taking possession ofit.
She was very merry and talkative, but neither of her companions seemedmuch disposed to answer her remarks. They were following the same paththey had taken the night before, and the thoughts of both were verybusy with the past and the future.
At length they reached the rustic seat where they had sat while Mr.Dinsmore told his story, and he inquired of Rose if she would like tostop and rest.
She assented, recognizing the place with a smile and a blush, and theysat down.
"Papa," said Elsie, "I am not tired, mayn't I run on to the top ofthat hill yonder?"
"Yes, if you will not go out of sight or hearing, so that I can seethat you are safe, and within call when I want you," he replied, andshe bounded away.
Rose was sitting thoughtfully, with her eyes upon the ground, whilethose of her companion were following the graceful figure of hislittle girl, as she tripped lightly along the road.
"Mr. Dinsmore," Rose began.
"I beg pardon, but were you speaking to me?" he asked, turning to herwith a half smile.
"Certainly," she replied, smiling in return; "there is no one elsehere."
"Well then, Rose, dear, please to remember that I don't answer to thatname from your lips, at least not when we are alone. I am not Mr.Dinsmore to you, unless you mean to be Miss Allison to me," he added,taking her hand and gazing tenderly into her blushing face.
"Oh! no, no; I would not have you call me that!"
"Well then, dear Rose, I want you to call me Horace. I would almost assoon think of being Mr. Dinsmore to Elsie, as to you. And now, whatwere you going to say to me?"
"Only that I wish to set out on my homeward way to-night, with Edward.I think it would be best, more especially as mamma has writtencomplaining of our long absence, and urging a speedy return."
"I must have a few weeks to prepare; you know a lady's wardrobe cannotbe got ready in a day. What would you say to six weeks? I am afraidmamma would think it entirely too short."
"Six weeks, dear Rose? why that would bring us to the middle ofNovember. Surely a month will be long enough to keep me waiting for myhappiness, and give the dressmakers sufficient time for their work.Let us say one month from to-day."
Rose raised one objection after another, but he overruled them all andpleaded his cause so earnestly that he gained his point at last, andthe wedding was fixed for that day month, provided the consent ofher parents, to so sudden a parting with their daughter, could beobtained.
While Rose was at home making her preparations, Mr. Dinsmore and hisdaughter were visiting the great lakes, and travelling through Canada.He heard frequently from her, and there were always a few linesto Elsie, which her father allowed her to answer in a little noteenclosed in his; and sometimes he read her a little of his own, or ofMiss Rose's letter, which she always considered a very great treat.
New York City was their last halting place on their route, and therethey spent nearly two weeks in shopping and sight-seeing. Mr. Dinsmorepurchased an elegant set of furniture for his wife's boudoir, andsent it on to his home, with his orders to Mrs. Murray concerningits arrangement. To this he added a splendid set of diamonds as hiswedding gift to his bride, while Elsie selected a pair of very costlybracelets as hers.
They arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon, the next morningbeing the time appointed for the wedding. Mr. Dinsmore himself went tohis hotel, but sent Elsie and her nurse to Mr. Allison's, as he hadbeen urgently requested to do, the family being now in occupation oftheir town residence.
Elsie found the whole house in a bustle of preparation. Sophy met herat the door and carried her off at once to her own room, eager todisplay what she called "her wedding dress." She was quite satisfiedwith the admiration Elsie expressed. "But I suppose you bought ever somany new dresses, and lots of other pretty things, in New York?" shesaid inquiringly.
"Yes; papa and I together. And don't you think, Sophy, he let me helphim choose some of his clothes, and he says he thinks I have very goodtaste in ladies' and gentlemen's dress too."
"That was right kind of him, but isn't it odd, and real nice too, thathe and Rose are going to get married? I was so surprised. Do you likeit, Elsie? and shall you call her mamma?"
"Oh, yes, of course. I should be quite wretched if papa were going tomarry any one else; but I love Miss Rose dearly, and I am very gladshe is coming to us. I think it is very good of her, and papa thinksso too."
"Yes," replied Sophy honestly, "and so do I; for I am sure I shouldn'tlike to leave papa and mamma and go away off there to live, though Ido like you very much, Elsie, and your papa too. Only think! he isgoing to be my brother; and then won't you be some sort of relationtoo? I guess I'll be your aunt, won't I?"
"I don't know; I haven't thought about it," said Elsie; while at thesame instant Harold put his head in at the half-open door, saying, "Ofcourse you will; and I'll be her uncle."
The little girls were quite startled at first, but seeing who it was,Elsie ran towards him, holding out her hand.
"How do you do, Harold?" she said; "I am glad to see you."
He had his satchel of books on his arm. "Thank you, how are you? Iam rejoiced to see you looking so well, but, as for me, I am quitesick--of lessons," he replied in a melancholy tone, and putting on acomically doleful expression.
Elsie laughed and shook her head. "I thought you ware a good boy andquite fond of your books."
"Commonly, I believe I am, but not in these wedding times. It's quitetoo bad of your father, Elsie, to be carrying off Rose, when he won'tlet us have you. But never mind, I'll be even with him some of thesedays;" and he gave her a meaning look.
"Come in Harold, and put your books down," said Sophy; "you can affordto spend a few minutes talking to Elsie, can't you?"
"I think I will!" he replied, accepting her invitation.
They chatted for some time, and then Adelaide came in. Elsie had heardthat she was coming on to be first bridesmaid. "Elsie, dear, howglad I am to see you! and how well and happy you are looking!" sheexclaimed, folding her little niece in her arms, and kissing herfondly. "But come," she added, taking her by the hand and leading herinto the next room, "Miss Rose came in from her shopping only a fewminutes ago, and she wants to see you."
Rose was standing by the toilet-table, gazing intently, with a blushand a smile, at something she held in her hand. She laid it down asthey came in, and embracing the little girl affectionately, said howvery glad she was to see her.
Then, turning to the table again, she took up what she had beenlooking at--which proved to be a miniature of Mr. Dinsmore--andhanded it to Adelaide, saying, "Is it not excellent? and so kind andthoughtful of him to give it to me."
"It is indeed a most perfect likeness," Adelaide replied. "Horace isvery thoughtful about these little matters. I hope he will make youvery happy, dear Rose. I cannot tell you how glad I was when I heardyou were to be my sister."
"You have seemed like a sister to me ever since the winter I spentwith you," said Rose. And then she began questioning Elsie about herjourney asking if she were not fatigued, and would not like to liedown and rest a little before tea.
"No thank you," Elsie said; "you know it is only a short trip from NewYork, and I am not at all tired."
Just then the tea-bell rang, and Rose laughed and said it was wellElsie had not accepted her invitation.
On going down to tea they found Mr. Dinsmore and Mr. Travilla there.Elsie was delighted to meet her old friend, and it was evident that hehad already made himself a favorite with all the children, from Harolddown to little May.
The wedding was a really brilliant affair. The bride and herattendants were beautifully dressed and, as every one remarked, lookedvery charming. At an early hour in the morning carriages were inwaiting to convey the bridal party and the family to the church wherethe ceremony was to be performed. When it was over they returned tothe house, where an elegant breakfast was provided for a large numberof guests; after which there was a grand reception for several hours.Then, when the last guest had departed, Rose retired to her own room,appearing shortly afterwards at the family dinner-table in her prettytravelling dress, looking very sweet and engaging, but sober andthoughtful, as were also her father and brothers; while Mrs. Allison'seyes were constantly filling with tears at the thought of losing herdaughter.
There was very little eating done, and the conversation flaggedseveral times in spite of the efforts of the gentlemen to keep it up.At length all rose from the table, and gathered in the parlor fora few moments. Then came the parting, and they were gone; and Mrs.Allison, feeling almost as if she had buried her daughter, tried toforget her loss by setting herself vigorously to work overseeing thebusiness of putting her house in order.
Rose's feelings were mingled. She wept for a time, but the soothingtenderness of her husband's manner, and Elsie's winning caresses, soonrestored her to herself, and smiles chased away the tears.
They had a very pleasant journey, without accident or detention, andarrived in due time at their own home, where they were welcomed withevery demonstration of delight.
Rose was charmed with the Oaks, thought it even more lovely thaneither Roselands or Elingrove, and Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie intenselyenjoyed her pleasure and admiration.
Then came a round of parties, which Elsie thought extremely tiresome,as she could have no share in them, and was thus deprived of thecompany of her papa and mamma almost every evening for several weeks.But at
last that too was over, and they settled down into a quiet,home life, that suited them all much better, for neither Mr. Dinsmorenor Rose was very fond of gayety.
And now Elsie resumed her studies regularly, reciting as before toher father; while Rose undertook to instruct her in the more femininebranches of housekeeping and needlework, and a master came from thecity several times a week to give her lessons in music and drawing.She had been so long without regular employment that she found it verydifficult at first to give her mind to her studies, as she had donein former days; but her father, though kind and considerate, wasvery firm with her, and she soon fell into the traces and worked asdiligently as ever.
Elsie did not find that her father's marriage brought anyuncomfortable change to her. There was no lessening of his love orcare; she saw as much of him as before, had full possession of herseat upon his knee, and was caressed and fondled quite as often and astenderly as ever.
And added to all this were Rose's love and sweet companionship, whichwere ever grateful to the little girl, whether they were alone or withher father. Elsie loved her new mamma dearly and was as respectfuland obedient to her as to her father, though Rose never assumed anyauthority; which, however, was entirely unnecessary, as a wish orrequest from her was sure to be attended to as if it had been acommand.
And Rose was very happy in her new home. Mr. Dinsmore's family werepleased with the match and treated her most kindly, while he wasalways affectionate, thoughtful, and attentive; not less devoted asa husband than as a father. They were well suited in taste anddisposition; seldom had the slightest disagreement on any subject, andneither had ever cause to regret the step they had taken, for each daythey lived together seemed but to increase their love for each other,and for their little daughter, as Mr. Dinsmore delighted to call her,always giving Rose a share in the ownership.
Elsie's Girlhood Page 3