“If I were perfectly sure you would not rather I did not go, papa.”

“I think I can trust you to behave well, even out of my sight,” he returned with a smile, and in a jesting tone; “and though I still call you my little girl, that is more as a term of endearment than anything else; and I really think you are large enough, old enough, and good enough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my sight—­away from my side.”

“Thank you, papa dear,” she said, her eyes shining; “it is a great pleasure to hear you say that, and I certainly do intend to conduct myself exactly as I think you would wish; so now I will answer Chester’s note with an acceptance of his invitation,” she added, leaving her father’s knee and seating herself before the typewriter.  “I’ll make it short and submit it to you, papa, for approval.”

“About that, too, you may do exactly as you please,” he responded, stepping to her side and putting the paper in for her, as when she was about to write for him.

She made quick work, saying only what seemed necessary, submitted it to her father’s and Violet’s verdict, which was altogether favourable, then directed an envelope, placed the note in it, and sealed it, saying, “There! it is all ready to go early to-morrow morning, and will be no hindrance to me in getting ready for the shopping expedition.”

“Which, perhaps, you will enjoy nearly as much as the boating party,” remarked Violet in a jesting tone.

“Probably more,” responded Lucilla; “at least if we are successful in finding very suitable and handsome wedding gifts for Rosie.  Father, how much may I spend on one?”

“I think not more than a hundred dollars.”

“Oh! may I have so much as that for it?  You dear, good papa!” she exclaimed.

“I am well able to afford it,” he returned pleasantly, “and should be sorry to let my daughters give other than valuable wedding gifts to my wife’s sister.”

“Thank you, my dear,” said Violet with a gratified look.  “I have no doubt Rosie will appreciate your and your daughter’s kindness, as she certainly ought to.”

“Grandma Elsie has been very, very kind to us,” said Lucilla, and her father added: 

“She has, indeed!  I can never forget how kindly she took my children in when I was unable to provide them with a good and happy home.”

“Hark!  I hear carriage wheels on the drive; we are going to have callers,” exclaimed Lucilla, and, as she spoke, they all rose and went out upon the veranda to receive their guests.

They proved to be Maud, Sydney, and Frank Dinsmore, from the Oaks; and, when greetings had been exchanged, they said their errand was to speak of the boating party, and ask if Grace could go; also if Lucilla had received Chester’s invitation and meant to accept it.  Chester would have come himself but had an unavoidable business engagement for the evening.

“I have given Lucilla permission to go,” the captain replied, “but Grace is not strong enough for the exertion she would be likely to make without her father at hand to caution and care for her.”