so, indeed," responded Nettie. "I am but slightly acquainted
with Miss Johnson, but have always liked her looks."

It was near tea-time when the Viamede party reached home again; the
ladies and little girls had barely time to dress for the evening before
the summons to the table.

It was while all where seated about it that Rosie and Evelyn told of the
news learned from Nettie Vance in regard to Signor Foresti and his
family.

"Ah, poor things! we must do something for them," Grandma Elsie said,
when the story was finished. "Papa, shall we stop there to-morrow on
our way to or from church? It would be a work of mercy suited to the
day, I think. Do not you?"

"Yes," replied Mr. Dinsmore; "and it might be well to carry a basket of
provisions with us."

Lulu had listened in silence while the others were talking, and all
through the evening she had but little to say, seeming much of the time
lost in thought, though usually she was quite talkative, unless, as
occasionally happened, checked by a slight reminder from her father that
it would be more becoming in a child of her age to show herself a quiet
listener to older people.

The captain noticed her abstraction, but, guessing at the cause, said
nothing about it till they were alone together in her bedroom; then,
drawing her to his knee, "My little girl has been unusually silent this
evening," he said. "Is anything wrong with her?"

She drew a long sigh. "I have been trying to decide a question of duty,
papa," she said, "and, please--I'd like you to tell me what to do."

"In regard to what, daughter?"

"Giving a part of my money--the money you put into my purse this
morning--to--to the Forestis."

"I think it would be right and kind for you to do so. Do not you?"

"Yes, sir; and I will do it," she said with sudden determination. "It
will be returning good for evil, as the Bible bids us; won't it, papa?"

"Yes; and I think will help you to forgive the man for his ill treatment
of my dear little daughter," drawing her closer and kissing her fondly.

"Yes, sir; even the resolve has made me feel more kindly toward him. How
much ought I to give, papa? I hardly think I'll have very much left
after I've paid for the presents I've sent for, for the servants here."

"No, not a very great deal, I presume; but you are not likely to need
much before there will be more pocket-money coming to you."

"Oh, no, sir, I'll not, of course, because my dear, dear father provides