ing to be useful."

They set to work, Violet looking on with interest. "Why, you are an
excellent packer, Levis," she remarked presently, "far better than I or
Agnes either."

"Thank you," he said, "I am very glad to be able to save you the
exertion."

"And you do it so rapidly," she said. "It would have taken me twice as
long."

"That is partly because I am much stronger, and partly the result of a
good deal of practice. And Lulu is quite a help," he added, with an
affectionate look at her.

She flushed with pleasure. "Are you going to pack the other trunks, papa?
Max's and Grade's and mine? And may I help you with them?" she asked.

"Yes, is my answer to both questions," he returned.

"Where are Max and Gracie?" asked Violet.

"I told Max to take his little sister to the beach, and take care of and
amuse her," the captain said in answer to the question.

"Don't you want to be out at play, too, Lulu?" asked Violet. "I can help
your papa."

"No, ma'am, thank you," the child answered in a quick, emphatic way. "I'd
a great deal rather be with papa to-day than playing."

He gave her a pleased look and smile, and Violet said, "That is nice,
Lulu; I am very glad his children love him so."

"Indeed we do, Mamma Vi! every one of us!" exclaimed Lulu. "Papa knows we
do. Don't you, papa?"

"Yes, I am quite sure of it," he said. "And that my wife is fond of me
also," with a smiling glance at her, "and altogether it makes me a very
happy man."

"As you deserve to be," said Violet, gayly. "Please, sir, will you allow
me to fold my dresses?"

"No, for here comes Agnes," as the maid entered the room, "who, I dare
say, can do it better. Come, Lulu, we will go now to your room."

Violet stayed where she was to direct and assist Agnes, and Lulu was glad,
because she wanted to be alone with her father for a while.

When her trunk was packed he turned to leave the room, but she detained
him. "Papa," she said, clinging to his hand, "I--I want to speak to you."

He sat down and drew her to his side, putting an arm about her waist.
"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked kindly, stroking the hair back from
her forehead with the other hand.

"Papa, I--I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for----" she stammered, her
eyes drooping, her cheeks growing crimson.

"Sorry for your former naughtiness and rebellion?" he asked gently, as she
paused, leaving her sentence unfinished.

"Yes, papa, I couldn't bear to let you go away