“And you won’t have any dollar to pay, papa,” said Lulu, her face very bright and no disappointment in her tone. She was clinging to her father’s hand as they went down the stairs, Max close behind them.
“But I don’t care to save it,” was the reply, “so what shall be done with it? Suppose I divide it between you and Max.”
“And yourself, papa,” added Max laughingly.
His father smiled. “Perhaps a better plan would be to put it into our missionary box,” he said.
“Oh, yes, sir!” exclaimed both the children, “that would be the best thing that could be done with it.”
They had taken their seats at the table, and all were quiet while the captain asked a blessing on their food.
CHAPTER II
“I have something to tell you, my dear,” Violet began, giving her husband a bright smile from behind the coffee urn as she filled his cup.
“Ah?” he said, returning the smile. “I am all attention. I have no doubt it is something worth hearing.”
“Perhaps you remember that mamma’s fiftieth birthday will come early next month,” Violet resumed.