m so heavy, papa," she objected.

"No, darling: I can carry you very easily," he said. "There, put your
arm round my neck, and lay your head on my shoulder."

The pet name from his lips sent a thrill of joy to her heart; and it was
very pleasant, very restful, to feel herself infolded in his strong
arms.

He carried her carefully, tenderly along, holding her close, as
something precious that he began to fear might slip from his grasp. She
had always been a strong, healthy child, and heretofore he had scarcely
thought of sickness in connection with her; but now he was alarmed at
her state.

"Are you in pain, daughter?" he asked.

"Only a headache, papa; I suppose because I've cried so much."

"I think I must have the doctor see you."

"Oh, no, no, papa! please don't," she sobbed. "I don't want to see him
or anybody."

"Then we will wait a little; perhaps you will be all right again by
to-morrow."

He did not set her down till they had almost reached the house; and he
took her in his arms again at the foot of the stairway, and carried her
to her room, where he sat down with her on his knee.

"Papa, aren't you very tired, carrying such a big, heavy girl?" she
asked, looking regretfully into his face.

"No; very little," he answered, taking off her hat, and laying his cool
hand on her forehead. "Your head is very hot. I'll take off your coat,
and lay you on the bed; and I want you to stay there for the rest of the
day; go to sleep if you can."

"I will, papa," she answered submissively; then as he laid her down, and
turned to leave her, "Oh, I wish you could stay with me!" she cried,
clinging to him.

"I cannot now, daughter," he said, smoothing her hair caressingly. "I
must go back to your mamma and the baby. But I will come in again to
bid you good-night, and see that you are as comfortable as I can make
you. Can you eat some supper?"

"I don't know, papa," she answered doubtfully.

"Well, I will send you some; and you can eat it, or not, as you feel
inclined."

CHAPTER XV.

"After the storm, a calm; after the rain, sunlight."

As Capt. Raymond passed through the hall on which Lulu's room opened, a
little girl, dressed in deep mourning, rose from the broad, low sill of
the front window, where she had been sitting waiting for the last few
minutes, and came forward to meet him. She was a rather
delicate-looking, sweet-faced child, with large dark eyes, full of
intelligence.

"Capt. Raymond