gth and such a dear kind father to love me,
provide for me, teach me, and train me up in the way I should go," she
concluded, with a smiling look up into his eyes.

"That is what I am trying to do, at all events," he returned, holding
her close, "though I sometimes fear I may not always have taken the
wisest way."

"Is it because you have succeeded so poorly that you fear so, papa?" she
asked. "If so, don't be troubled about it, because I don't believe it's
from any mistake of yours, but only that I'm so very naughty and
unmanageable."

"Really, now, Lu, I think your father has succeeded fairly well at the
business," laughed Violet. "I doubt if anybody else would have done
better."

"Or half so well," said Lulu; "and I am fully resolved to try to do
credit to his training."

"I think you had a letter from Max to-day, Levis?" remarked Violet
inquiringly, "Dear fellow, I hope he was quite well at the time of
writing?"

"Yes; and apparently in excellent spirits. He seems to be doing well in
his studies; content with things as they are too, though evidently
feeling that he would greatly enjoy being here with the rest of us."

"Yes, poor, dear fellow! I wish he could make one of our party;
especially at Christmas time."

"So do I," said his father. "We must make it up to him with as full an
account as possible of the Christmas doings here."

"I wonder what they will be," said Lulu.

"We will have to consider and decide that question--to some extent, at
least--after mamma comes," replied Violet.

"And now we must go in and have prayers; for it is near bedtime for my
eldest daughter," remarked the captain, rising and taking Lulu's hand in
his.

The days flew by on swift wings, even to Lulu and Grace, so filled were
they with duties and pleasures, and at length the time had come when
Grandma Elsie and the others were expected by the evening boat.

Their arrival was anticipated with great delight by every one on the
estate, and all possible preparations had been made for their comfort
and to show how gladly welcome they were. Everything indoors and out was
in beautiful order, a feast of fat things ready in the kitchen, the
families from the parsonage and Magnolia Hall were present by
invitation, and as the hour drew near when the boat might be expected,
all gathered at the wharf and eagerly watched for its appearance.

At length their patience was rewarded; the little steamer appeared in
sight far down the bay