re presently; in
time to witness the lighting up."

There was a general assent, and young Percy Landreth, who had managed to
secure a seat close at Lucilla's side, said to her in an undertone: "You
will go surely, and may I have the pleasure of acting as your escort?"

"I don't know," she returned with a slight laugh and an arch look at
Chester Dinsmore, who, sitting near on her other side, had overheard the
request, and was looking slightly vexed and disappointed; "papa hasn't
told me yet whether I may go to-night or not; and I'm 'a young thing who
cannot leave her father' or go anywhere without his knowledge and consent.
I'll ask him, however," she concluded, jumping up and hastening to the
captain's side. "Papa," she asked, "can I go presently to the Court of
Honor with the others--and you? for I suppose you are going?"

"I think it likely that your mamma and I will be going after a little," he
said in reply; "but Grace is too weary to return there to-night, and you
too would be the better able to enjoy yourself at the Fair to-morrow
should you go early to bed to-night; so that is what I wish you to do."

"Indeed, papa, I am not so very tired," she said half imploringly, half in
vexation. "Mayn't I go?"

"You have my answer to that question, daughter," he replied in a tone so
low that the words scarce reached any ear but hers. "I think it best for
both you and Grace that you should stay here with her, and surely you love
your sister well enough to do so willingly, even if you had your father's
consent to your going ashore for the evening?"

"Papa," said Grace, overhearing the last sentence, "I would not have Lu
miss the pleasant evening on shore on my account. I will go directly to
bed and probably fall asleep at once."

"As I hope and believe Lucilla will also," he returned, with a glance of
grieved displeasure bestowed upon his eldest daughter, which sent a
remorseful pang to her heart.

"Oh, father, don't be vexed with me," she entreated low and tremulously,
putting a hand into his as she spoke; "I am glad that I am under your
orders; I am, indeed, and would not for anything leave dear Gracie alone."

"I am sure of it, daughter," he returned, pressing the hand affectionately
as he spoke. "Also I think that to-morrow you will be thankful to me that
you have had a rest from exertion and excitement."

"Yes, papa, I always find that your way is best, and I am very glad and
thankful that I have such a kind, w