had one or more letters in hand.

Noticing that her father had several, Lulu presently drew near him and
asked, "Mayn't I help you answer those, papa?"

"Thank you, dear child," he returned, smiling fondly upon her, "you may
if you wish, but I have plenty of time to do the work myself this
morning, and would be sorry to deprive you of the pleasure you might be
taking with your mates."

"I'll have time enough for that afterward, papa, and would very much
rather do a little to help you--if it will be a help, instead of a
trouble to you to have me use my machine in that way," she said, with a
look up into his eyes that showed plainly how anxious she was to have
her offer accepted.

"Then you shall, my darling," he returned, and taking her hand led her
into the library, seated her before her typewriter, supplied paper and
envelopes, and began dictating to her as on the two former occasions.

"It grieves me to rob my dear little girl of any of her holiday time,"
he remarked, as the first letter was completed, laying his hand
caressingly on her head. "Your father loves to see you enjoying
yourself."

"Yes, dear papa, I know that," she replied, with a pleased loving look
up into his face, "but there is nothing I enjoy more than feeling that I
can be of a little help and comfort to you."

"Well, it will not take us long to answer these letters--there are but
few to-day--and perhaps you may enjoy your sports all the more
afterward," he replied, handing her a fresh sheet of paper.

"This, from our dear Max, is the only one left now," he remarked
presently; "and he, I know, would rather have his reply in papa's own
handwriting; but, shall I read this to you, daughter?"

"Oh, I should like to hear it, papa!" was her eager response. "Please,
may I sit on your knee while I listen?"

"Indeed you may," he answered, drawing her to the coveted seat and
putting his arm about her waist. "Maxie does write such good,
interesting letters, and I'm so much obliged to you for reading this one
to me, papa," she said, when he had finished.

"You are very welcome, daughter; and now you may go back to your mates
while I write my reply."

On the veranda family letters had been read and discussed, meanwhile,
and when Lulu joined the group they were again talking of the
approaching Christmas and what gifts should be prepared for relatives,
near and dear friends, and servants.

Grandma Elsie, seated in their midst, was looking quite her