Page:By Sanction of Law.pdf/214

 "Hello, Daddy," she greeted him effusively as she swept down on him, placing both arms about his neck as she kissed him. His arms clasped her long and tenderly as she sat on the arm of his wide rocker.

"Are you tired, after last night?" he asked, tenderly.

"Oh, no, Daddy. It was wonderful, wasn't it?"

"We're all glad to have you back with us," he said tenderly. "Even the blacks. They had a celebration themselves after you retired."

"It's good to be loved so well, isn't it, Daddy?"

"Yes, my child. Love of your friends, love of your neighbors and love of your servants, make life worth while. Now that you're back I suppose someone else will be claiming your love, Eh, Child?"

"I don't know, Daddy."

"I shall be a jealous and lonely old father, when that time comes."

"You won't need to be for whoever loves me must love you."

"Yes, but I may not love him, for he will be taking the jewel of an old man's heart."

"Sh-s-s-sh-sh." She warned, a finger on his lips. "Don't talk that way. Daddy will always be daddy to me."

"I'd like to see you well married and settled, Lida, before long. I'm getting old now. My days are few before I shall be called to join those now under the sycamore. I want to see you married and in a home of your own before I go.—There are several good boys about here, sons of good neighbors. It would be nice if you could find one of them satisfactory.satisfactory." [sic]