“You are not too tired?” he questioned, smiling at her eager, joyous tone.
“Oh, no, sir, not at all. I think I shall feel as fresh as a lark after I have washed and dressed and had my supper.”
“Then this will be quite suitable,” he said, lifting out a cream-colored serge with collar and cuffs of red velvet and a bordering of Indian embroidery in which the same shade was quite prominent.
“The very dress I’d have chosen myself, papa,” she remarked, with a pleased laugh. “And when we take our walk I must wear the hat that matches. I do like to wear things that match or contrast prettily and suit my complexion.”
“Well, daughter, since our kind heavenly Father has made so many things beautiful to our eyes, the sunset clouds with their gorgeous hues, the myriads of lovely flowers and fruits, to mention only a few—I think it cannot be wrong for us to enjoy pretty things. Still, my dear little girl must be on her guard against vanity and pride, because of being well and tastefully attired, and careful not to give too much of her time and thoughts to dress.”
CHAPTER X.
“Well, it is nice to be going to eat in a house again and no strangers by,” remarked Lulu when they had seated themselves at the table in Mrs. McAlpine’s sitting-room, and the captain had asked a blessing on their food.
“So it is,” responded Max; “it would seem something like home, if we had Mamma Vi, Gracie, and the little ones here with us.”
“Yes,” assented their father with a slight sigh, “they make the best part of home. We must look for the post-office when we are out. I hope we shall find letters there from home, and I have one to mail to your mamma.”
“Why, when did you write it, papa?” asked Lulu.