ike beating herself for hurting the baby, then went on to explain her
mistake,--thinking it was the dog tugging at her dress,--and I then gave
her fully to understand, that the chastisement was not for hurting the
baby, but for indulging in such a fury of passion, a fault that I have
punished her for on more than one former occasion; telling her, too,
that I intended to chastise her every time I knew of her being guilty of
it."

The sound of a low sob caused the captain to turn his head, to find his
little Grace standing at the back of his chair, and crying bitterly,
though without much noise.

He took her hand, and drew her to his side. "What is the matter,
daughter?" he asked tenderly.

"O papa! I'm so sorry for Lulu," she sobbed; "please, mayn't I go to her
for a little while?"

"No, Gracie. I cannot allow her the pleasure of seeing you, either
to-night, or for some days."

"But, papa, you said--you told mamma just now--that you had already
punished her very severely; and must you keep on?"

"Yes, my child, so far as to keep her in solitude, that she may have
plenty of time to think about what she has brought upon herself and
others by the indulgence of an ungovernable temper. She needs to have
the lesson impressed upon her as deeply as possible."

"I'm so sorry for her, papa!" repeated the gentle little pleader.

"So am I, daughter," he said; "but I think, that to see that she has the
full benefit of this sad lesson, will be the greatest kindness I can do
her. And my little Grace must try to believe that papa knows best.

"Now, give me a good-night kiss, and go to your bed, for it is quite
time you were there."

As he spoke, he took her in his arms, and held her for a moment in a
close embrace. "Papa's dear little girl!" he said softly: "_you_ have
never given me a pang, except by your feeble health."

"I don't want to, papa: I hope I never, never shall!" she returned,
hugging him tight.

Leaving him, she went to Violet, put her arms about her neck, and said
in her sweet, childish treble, "Dear mamma, don't feel so dreadfully
about baby: I've been asking God to make her quite, quite well; and I do
believe he will."

When she had left the room, the captain found himself alone with his
young wife and their little one. Again her head was on his shoulder, his
arm about her waist.

"My husband, my dear, dear husband," she murmured, "I am so glad to have
you here! I cannot tell you how I longed for you w