ceiving many tender
caresses.

"But how did it happen. Levis?" Violet was asking.

"Through some unlooked-for change in the plans and purposes of the
higher powers," he answered, lightly. "My orders were countermanded,
with no reasons given, and I may remain with my family till further
orders; and, as you say, we will hope it may be months before they are
received."

"And you were glad to come back to us?" Violet said, inquiringly, but
with not a shade of doubt in her tones.

"Yes, yes indeed; I was full of joy till I heard that one of my children
had been disobeying me, bringing serious consequences upon herself and
others."

His countenance had grown very grave and stern. "Where is Lulu?" he
asked, glancing about in search of her.

"Down on the beach with mamma and the rest," Violet answered.

"Can you give me a true and full account of her behavior since I have
been away?" he asked.

"My dear husband," Violet said, entreatingly, "please do not ask me."

"Pardon me, dearest," he returned. "I should not have asked you; Lulu
must tell me herself; thankful I am that many and serious as are her
faults, she is yet so honest and truthful that I can put full confidence
in her word and feel sure that she will not deceive me, even to save
herself from punishment."

"I think that is high praise, and that Lulu is deserving of it,"
remarked Violet, glad of an opportunity to speak a word in the child's
favor.

Captain Raymond gave her a pleased, grateful look. "You were going to
the beach, were you not?" he said. "Then please go on; I shall follow
after I have settled this matter with Lulu. There can be no comfort for
her or myself till it is settled. Gracie, go and tell your sister to
come here to me immediately."

"Do be as lenient as your sense of duty will allow, dear husband,"
whispered Violet in his ear, then hastened on her way.

Grace was lingering, gazing at him with wistful, tear-filled eves.

"What is it?" he asked, bending down to smooth her hair caressingly.
"You should go at once, little daughter, when papa bids."

"I would, papa, only--only I wanted to--to ask you not to punish Lulu
very hard."

"I am glad my little Gracie loves her sister," he said; "and you need
never doubt, my darling, that I dearly love both her and you. Go now
and give her my message."

All day long Lulu had kept herself as far apart from the others--her
sister excepted--as lay in her power. She was sitting now alone in t