ith all my might; but oh,
I do so easily forget and go wrong!"

"Yet I can see very plainly that my dear little girl is improving," her
father said, softly smoothing her hair with his hand, "and I'm sure--for
the Bible tells us so--that if you fight on, looking to God for help,
you will come off conqueror and more than conqueror in the end."

"Yes, papa; oh, I am so glad the Bible says that!"

There was a moment's silence; then Grace said, with a sigh and a voice
full of tears, "Oh, I do so wish I could see Maxie before we go so far
away from him! Papa, wouldn't they let him come home for just a little
while?"

"No, daughter; but how would you like to go with Lulu and me to pay him
a little visit?"

"O papa! so much if--if you think I won't be too tired to go on to
Viamede so soon afterward."

"I really think you could stand the two journeys, coming so near
together, now that you are so much stronger than you used to be; and as
you can lie and rest in the cars, and we go by water from New Orleans.
Don't you feel as if you could?"

"Oh, yes, papa, I feel almost sure I could!" she cried joyously.

"Then we will try it," he said, fondling her; "you will have no packing
to do--I am sure Mamma Vi and Lulu will be pleased to attend to all that
for you--and the journey to Annapolis is not a very long or fatiguing
one. So, should nothing happen to prevent, you shall make one of our
little party to visit Max."

Grace's eyes shone with pleasure and Lulu exclaimed delightedly, "Oh, I
am so glad, Gracie! It will double my pleasure to have you along; and
you needn't worry one bit about your packing of clothes or playthings,
for I'm sure I can see to it all with Christine or Alma to help me; or
even if I should have to do it all myself."

"Oh, thank you, Lu!" exclaimed Grace, "you are just the very best sister
that ever I saw! Isn't she, papa?"

"I think her a very good and kind sister, and it makes me a proud and
happy father to be able to give her that commendation," he answered,
with a loving look down into the eyes of his eldest daughter.

Just then Violet re-entered the room and a merry, happy hour followed,
while plans and prospects were under discussion.

"Won't you excuse Gracie and me from lessons the rest of the time before
we start for Viamede, papa?" asked Lulu coaxingly.

"No, daughter," replied the captain, in a pleasant tone; "there is very
little either of you will be called upon to do in regard to th