ard drive; her thoughts were full of
Maud's surprising assertion in regard to her father's wealth.

"I wonder if it is really so," she said to herself. "I'm tempted to ask
papa; but he might not like it, and I wouldn't want to do anything to
vex or trouble him,--my dear, dear kind father!"

An excellent opportunity for a private chat with him was afforded her
shortly after their arrival at home. The little ones were fretful and
Violet went to the nursery with them; Max hastened to his own room to
finish a composition he was expected to hand to his father the next
morning, Gracie, weary with the excitement of the day, and the long
morning drive, went directly to her bed, and having seen her in it, and
left her there with a loving good night, the captain and Lulu presently
found themselves the only occupants of the library.

Taking possession of a large easy chair, "Come and sit on my knee and
tell me how you have enjoyed your day," he said, giving her a fond
fatherly smile.

"Very much indeed, papa," she answered, accepting his invitation,
putting her arm round his neck and laying her cheek to his.

His arm was around her waist. He drew her closer, saying softly, "My
dear, dear little daughter! I thought you were unusually quiet coming
home: is anything amiss with you?"

"Oh, no, papa! I've had a lovely time all day long. How kind you were to
give us all a holiday and let me go along with the rest of you."

"Good to myself as well as to you, my darlings; I could have had very
little enjoyment leaving you behind."

"Papa, it's so nice to have you love me so!" she said, kissing him with
ardent affection. "Oh, I do hope I'll never, _never_ be very naughty
again!"

"I hope not, dear child," he responded, returning her caresses. "I hope
you feel ready to resume your studies to-morrow, with diligence and
painstaking?"

"Yes, papa, I think I do. It's almost a week since you have heard me
recite; except the Sunday lesson yesterday."

"Yes," he said gravely, "it has been something of a loss to you in one
way, but I trust a decided gain in another. Well to change the subject,
are you pleased with the prospect of spending the holidays at Ion?"

"Yes, papa; I think it will be lovely; almost as nice as having a party
of our own, as we did last year."

"Possibly we may add that--a party here for a day or two--if Grandma
Elsie does not use up all the holidays with hers," he said in a half
jesting tone and with a pleasan