"I believe my
hair has turned grey with the anxiety you have caused me."
"Oh, so it has! here is one hair quite grey; yes, actually two of them!
I'll show you," and a couple of hairs were withdrawn with a jerk.
"Stop! you torment," catching her by both arms. "Isn't it enough that my
hair has turned grey? Must you make me bald as well? I thought Lancy was
going to sober you down before he brought you back. I'll have to call him
in to finish his job."
"No, I'm going to be good, I really am; so say you are not cross with me
any more, then I must run off and see about my dress."
"Well, I'll forgive you this time; but if you cut up any more such capers,
I'll hand you over to young Gurney for good."
"But I won't be handed over, you dear old papa," giving him a squeeze that
almost choked him. "I will not exchange my papa for the best-looking young
gentleman you can find in the city. But, papa! do persuade Gussie to leave
my shortcomings alone, for the next few hours at least," she added, in a
low tone.
"I will see that she does not annoy you. Now, don't you think you had
better go and practise awhile?"
"Couldn't think of it, papa mine!" Then, taking her father's face between
her two hands, she looked earnestly into his eyes, saying: "Do you think
there is the _least_ danger of me breaking down to-night? Do you? Confess
the truth, sir!" she laughingly demanded.
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