“But don’t despair:  you can conquer it by determination, constant watchfulness, and the help from on high which will be given in answer to earnest prayer.”

“Then it shall be conquered!” she cried vehemently.  “I will fight it with all my might.  And you will help me, papa, all you can, won’t you, by watching me, and warning me when you see I’m beginning to get angry, and punishing me for the least little bit of a passion?  But oh, I forget that you can’t stay with me, or take me with you!” she cried with a fresh burst of sobs and tears.  “Must you go back to your ship soon?”

“Not very soon,” he said; “and I gladly promise to help you all I can in every way.  I can do it with my prayers, even when not close beside you.  But, my child, the struggle must be your own; all I can do will be of no avail unless you fight the battle yourself with all your strength.

“We will go home now,” he added, rising, and taking her hand in his.

But they had gone only a few steps when he stooped, and took her in his arms, saying.  “You are not able to walk.  I shall carry you.”

“But I am so heavy, papa,” she objected.

“No, darling:  I can carry you very easily,” he said.  “There, put your arm round my neck, and lay your head on my shoulder.”

The pet name from his lips sent a thrill of joy to her heart; and it was very pleasant, very restful, to feel herself infolded in his strong arms.

He carried her carefully, tenderly along, holding her close, as something precious that he began to fear might slip from his grasp.  She had always been a strong, healthy child, and heretofore he had scarcely thought of sickness in connection with her; but now he was alarmed at her state.

“Are you in pain, daughter?” he asked.

“Only a headache, papa; I suppose because I’ve cried so much.”

“I think I must have the doctor see you.”

“Oh, no, no, papa! please don’t,” she sobbed.  “I don’t want to see him or anybody.”

“Then we will wait a little; perhaps you will be all right again by to-morrow.”

He did not set her down till they had almost reached the house; and he took her in his arms again at the foot of the stairway, and carried her to her room, where he sat down with her on his knee.

“Papa, aren’t you very tired, carrying such a big, heavy girl?” she asked, looking regretfully into his face.

“No; very little,” he answered, taking off her hat, and laying his cool hand on her forehead.  “Your head is very hot.  I’ll take off your coat, and lay you on the bed; and I want you to stay there for the rest of the day; go to sleep if you can.”

“I will, papa,” she answered submissively; then as he laid her down, and turned to leave her, “Oh, I wish you could stay with me!” she cried, clinging to him.

“I cannot now, daughter,” he said, smoothing her hair caressingly.  “I must go back to your mamma and the baby.  But I will come in again to bid you good-night, and see that you are as comfortable as I can make you.  Can you eat some supper?”