"Papa," said Grace, sighing and hiding her blushing face on his shoulder, "you know I did once say what was not true; but I'm very, very sorry. I've asked God many times to forgive me for Jesus' sake and I believe he has."
"No doubt of it, my darling," returned her father; "for, 'if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'"
"I don't believe Lu ever did," said Grace. "She's a great deal better girl than I am."
"No, it is not that I am better than you," was Lulu's emphatic dissent from that. "It's only that I am not timid like you; if I had been, it's very likely I'd have told many an untruth to hide my faults and keep from being punished."
"The telephone bell is ringing, papa," announced Max, looking in at the door.
The call was from Ion; a vague report of last night's doings at Woodburn having just reached the family there, they were anxious to learn the exact truth.
The captain gave the facts briefly and suggested that some of the Ion friends drive over and hear them in detail.
It was replied that several of them would do so shortly; Grandma Elsie among them, and that she would spend the day, keeping Violet company during her husband's absence at Union, if, as she supposed, Vi's preference should be for remaining at home.
"Of course it will," said Violet, who was standing near. "Please tell mamma I'll be delighted to have her company."
The captain delivered the message, then all hurried down to breakfast.