“Oh, it is lovely, papa, lovely to belong to Him and know that He will bring us safely all the way through this world to the home with Him that He has prepared for us above!” exclaimed the little girl in joyous tones, her eyes shining with happiness.
At the moment Violet came in from the gallery, whither all the rest of the party had already gone.
“Come, mamma dear,” she said, “we want your company, and have a comfortable chair placed ready for you. Plenty of room and a warm welcome, Levis, for you and our little daughter, also,” she added, turning her sweet, smiling face toward her husband.
All three promptly accepted her invitation, and found it very delightful to gaze upon the beautiful grounds just below them, and the sparkling, restless ocean beyond, also to inhale the delightful sea breeze—all in the pleasant company of those whose conversation was both interesting and instructive.
The summons to the tea table presently called them away from that pleasant spot, but they returned to it until the approach of bedtime; then with cordial and kindly good-nights they separated.
But Lucilla came back presently to find her father pacing the gallery to and fro as was his wont at home. Pausing in his walk, he welcomed her with a smile, put an arm about her and gave her a kiss that seemed to say she was very dear to him.
“Father,” she said, “you were so kind to bring us all here to this lovely place.”
“Kind to myself as well as to others,” he said with a smile; “I am very glad, daughter, to know that you are enjoying it.”
“I am, father dear, more than I can find words to express, as is Chester, also; and I think the change is improving his health.”
“Yes, I think so, and hope he will go home entirely recovered. Ah, who is this?” as another girlish figure came gliding toward them.