about him, Grace on his knee, Lulu on one side, Max on
the other, while their tongues ran fast on whatever subject happened to
be uppermost in their thoughts, the captain encouraging them to talk
freely; for he was most desirous to have their entire confidence in
order that he might be the better able to correct wrong ideas and
impressions, inculcate right views and motives, and lead them to tread
the paths of rectitude, living noble, unselfish lives, serving God and
doing good to their fellow creatures.

Sensible questions were sure to be patiently answered, requests
carefully considered, and granted if reasonable and within his power;
and instruction was given in a way to make it interesting and
agreeable; reproof, if called for, administered in a kind, fatherly
manner that robbed it of its sting.

They talked of their sports, their pets, the books they were reading,
the coming holidays, the enjoyment they were looking forward to at that
time, and their plans for helping to make it a happy time to others.

Evidently they were troubled with no doubt of their father's fond
affection, or of the fact that he was their best earthly friend and
wisest counsellor.

"There are so many people I want to give to," said Lulu; "it will take
ever so much thinking to know how to manage it."

"Yes; because of course we want to give things they'd like to have, and
that we'll have money enough to buy, or time to make," said Grace.

"Perhaps I can help you with your plans," said their father. "I think it
would be well to make out a list of those to whom you wish to give, and
then decide what amount to devote to each, and what sort of thing would
be likely to prove acceptable, yet not cost more than you have set apart
for its purchase."

"Oh what a nice plan, papa!" exclaimed Lulu. "We'll each make a list,
sha'n't we?"

"Yes; if you choose. Max, my son, you may get out paper and pencils for
us, and we will set to work at once; no time like the present, is a
good motto in most cases."

Max hastened to obey and the lists were made out amid a good deal of
pleasant chat, now grave, now gay.

"We don't have to put down all the names, papa, do we?" Grace asked with
an arch look and smile up into his face.

"No; we will except present company," he replied, stroking her hair
caressingly, and returning her smile with one full of tender fatherly
affection.

The names were all written down first, then came the task of deciding
upon t