necessary, and he thought the knowledge of
what was before her would only cause her embarrassment and discomfort.
He did not know what opportunity Keith might seize, and it seemed better
to leave her in ignorance of his intentions.

"Is that all, father?" she asked presently, when several letters had
been written.

"Yes, daughter," he replied; "and now we can feel free for the day. I
hope it will be a pleasant one to you."

"I expect it to be, papa," she returned; "Pinegrove is a beautiful
place, and the Howards are delightful people. No relation to me, but
tolerably near cousins to Mamma Vi, you know."

"Yes; Mrs. Howard being half sister to her grandfather," he said with an
amused look. "They can hardly be called near relatives, but are very
estimable people, and I think the half day may be passed very pleasantly
with them and the visiting relatives."

"I like Flora Howard. Papa, don't you think she might make a nice wife
for Captain Keith, if only they should take a fancy to each other?"

"I hadn't thought of it. She is rather young--not much older than my
daughter Lulu, I judge; so had better not be thinking of marriage for
years to come."

"Yes, sir; but a good many girls do, you know; girls that haven't such a
dear, good father as mine to make them feel that they never want to
leave him for anybody else."

"You are sure you don't want to leave yours?" he asked with a searching,
though smiling look into her face.

"Oh, papa, you can't doubt it, I am sure!" she exclaimed, giving him a
look of ardent affection.

"No, I do not," he returned; "I am very sure--since you have told me so
at least a dozen times--that my dear eldest daughter loves me better
than she does any other man living, and wants me to keep her all my own
for years to come."

"Yes, indeed, papa," she said with a happy laugh, "that is just what I
want you to do."

"Then we entirely agree. There is the breakfast bell, and I hope my
daughter feels ready to obey its summons."

"Yes, sir; it is a welcome sound."

It was a bright and cheerful party that presently gathered about the
table, and a lively conversation was carried on while they partook of
the tempting viands. The new home about to be prepared for Rosie, its
present condition, the beauty of the situation, the grounds, the
building, and the improvements to be made by alterations and additions,
were themes dilated upon for a time; then the approaching marriage of
Dick and Maud c