e.

"Thank you, papa; but I really prefer to have you read it first," she
replied.

He smiled approval, broke the seal, and glanced over the missive.

"It is from Chester Dinsmore," he said; "merely an invitation to you to
go with him to a boating party on the river, if your father gives
consent."

"Which I don't believe my father will," laughed Lucilla.

"And you are not anxious that he should?" he queried with a smile.

"Not unless he is entirely willing to have me go; and hardly even then,
as he is not to be one of the party."

"That is my own good little girl," he said, putting an arm about her,
drawing her close to his side, and kissing her several times. "I am not
willing to have you a young lady yet,--as I think you know,--but I want
to keep you my own little girl for some time longer."

"I am very glad that you do, papa," she returned, laying her head
against his breast and putting her arms about his neck, "and I hope you
won't ever, ever grow tired of keeping me for your own, altogether
yours, with no partner in the concern," she added with a low, gleeful
laugh.

"You need have no fear that I will grow tired of it until you do," he
said with a smile, and repeating his caresses. "But when that time comes
do not hesitate to tell me: for, rest assured, your happiness is very
dear to your father's heart. And if you would like to accept this
invitation, you may do so with my full consent."

"Thank you, father dear, but I really do not care to go; I should much
prefer to keep the engagement already made for that day."

"Ah! what is that?"

"Now, papa, have you forgotten that you are to take Mamma Vi, Gracie,
and me into the city to do some shopping?"

"Ah, yes; I had forgotten it for the moment. But I dare say both your
mamma and Grace would be willing to defer that for a day or two."

"But I wouldn't, because my father has taught me not to break
engagements without very strong reasons; which I don't think I have in
this case."

He laughed a little at that. "Well, daughter," he said, "you shall do as
you please about it, and I am glad to see that you are so good at
remembering your father's instructions and so ready to obey them."

"Thank you, sir. And now must I answer Chester's note--or will you do it
for me?"

"That shall be just as you please, daughter. Perhaps it would be as well
for you to write the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have me do
so, I shall not refuse."

"May I do it o