“No, sir, I don’t. I’d rather let it wait till Monday, if I may sit on your knee a little while and have you talk to me.”
“Have me talk to you? or let you talk to me?” he asked with playful look and tone, as he sat down and drew her to the coveted place.
“Both, you dear papa,” she answered, putting her arms around his neck and giving him an ardent kiss.
“And am I to do nothing but listen?” asked Max, pulling forward a chair and seating himself close beside them.
“Just as you please, young man,” laughed his father; “but I doubt if you can refrain from putting in a word now and then.”
“He’s been talking ever so fast almost all the evening,” said Lulu; “only letting me have a word now and then.”
“Ah, indeed! I hope it has been good-humored and sensible talk?”
“Very sensible (I was quite proud of my brother)” replied Lulu, giving Max a laughing glance, “but I’m not so sure about the good-humor. I shouldn’t wonder if Albert Austin had made up his mind by this time that Max and I are not very partial to the English.”
“I hope you haven’t been rude to Albert, my children?” the captain said, with sudden gravity.
“I hope not, papa; I don’t think we were, though we stated a few historical facts—perhaps a little strongly,” replied Lulu.