"We are not engaged, Mr. Egerton; cannot be till papa has given consent."
"I beg ten thousand pardons," he said, coloring violently in his turn, and feeling his hopes grow fainter.
"Will you not take a seat?" she asked, gently withdrawing her hand from his.
"Thank you, no; I have but a moment to stay. My errand was to ask if we could not so arrange it as, for once at least, to have our ride alone together? Miss Lottie is a very nice girl, but I would give much to have my darling all to myself to-day."
"I would like it much too, very much, but papa bade me always have a lady friend with me; and--and besides," she added with hesitation, and blushing more deeply than before, "papa's friend. Mr. Travilla, is to go with us. I--I have promised that he shall be my escort to-day."
Egerton was furious, and had much ado to conceal the fact; indeed, came very near uttering a horrible oath, and thus forever ruining his hopes. He bit his lips and kept silent, but Elsie saw that he was angry.
"Do not be offended or hurt," she said; "do not suppose that I followed my own inclination in consenting to such an arrangement. No, I only acted from a sense of duty; knowing that it was what papa would wish."
"And you would put his wishes before mine? Love him best, I presume?"
"He is my father, and entitled to my obedience, whether present or absent."
"But what very strict ideas you must have on that subject! do you really think it your duty to obey his wishes as well as his command?"
"I do; that is the kind of obedience he has taught me, that the Bible teaches, and that my love for him would dictate. I love my father very dearly, Mr. Egerton."
"I should think so, indeed; but you must pardon me if at present I am far more concerned about your love for me," he said, with a forced laugh. "As for this Travilla, I can hardly be expected to feel any great cordiality toward him after his attack upon me yesterday; and I am free to confess that it would not cause me great grief to learn that some sudden illness or accident had occurred to prevent his spoiling our ride to-day."
"Your feelings are perfectly natural; but, believe me, Mr. Travilla has the kindest of hearts, and when he learns his mistake will be most anxious to do all in his power to make amends for it. Will you stay and take breakfast with us?" For at that instant the bell rang.