f daughters, always satisfied with her father's decisions; thinking he
knows what is best for her. Also she loves her home and home pleasures;
indeed thinks there is no other place quite equal to home."

"It is a lovely place, that's a fact," Frank returned with a slight
laugh, "but variety is the spice of life, and possibly Miss Grace's
health might be better if she tried more of that spice."

"I think that if you ask her you will learn that a pleasant variety is
not, and has not been, lacking in her experience of life," was the
captain's pleasant-toned rejoinder.

"I am sure of it," remarked Maud. "I never knew anybody who seemed to me
happier or more light-hearted than Gracie. And, oh, but she dotes upon
her father!"

"As all his children do," said Lucilla, giving him a look of ardent
affection.

"You will not keep my daughter out very late?" the captain said,
addressing Frank in a tone of inquiry.

"No, sir; we expect to get home before dark. But if anything should
happen to detain us you need not be uneasy. We will take good care of
her and return her to you in safety."

"We are staying out rather late now ourselves, Frank, and I think
should be starting for home," said Maud, rising and turning to Violet to
begin her adieus.

"Father," said Lucilla, turning to him when their callers had gone,
"please don't let me go at all if you expect to be the least bit anxious
about me. I would far rather stay at home than cause you a moment's
uneasiness."

"My dear child, I must allow you a little liberty--let you out of my
sight sometimes," he said with a smile. "But it pleases me that you are
so ready and willing to do whatever you find most pleasing to your
father," he added, pressing affectionately the hand she had put into
his.

"Are you not afraid my father will make me miserably conceited--giving
me so much more commendation than I deserve?" she asked with a roguish
look and pleased laugh.

"I hope not; you will fall very much in my estimation if you grow
conceited and vain. I do not think you that now; but, remember, love is
blind, and your father's love for you is very great."

"Yes, you dear papa, I know that and it makes me, oh, so happy," she
said with joyous look and tone.

"As I think you have reason to be, Lu," Violet said, regarding her
husband and his daughter with a smile of pleased sympathy.

"It is time for our evening service, and then for my daughter to go to
her bed and take her beauty