“Perhaps so, sir; but I don’t want to be told till papa’s time for telling me comes, or by anybody but him.”
“Good girl; uncommonly loyal and obedient,” he said laughingly.
“No, sir, you are mistaken in thinking me that,” she said, with heightened color; “I’m naturally very wilful, so that papa has had any amount of trouble to teach me to obey.”
“But the lesson has been pretty thoroughly learned,” said her father kindly, Mr. Short adding, “I’m sure of it; and she is certainly honest and frank.”
The school children were delighted with the badges, the teacher glad of Lulu’s help in pinning them on, and of the gentlemen’s assistance in forming her procession. All were on their best behavior, and everything went prosperously with the celebration.
The captain and his children following in the wake of the procession, returned to the schoolroom to see and assist in the distribution of the candies, cakes, and fruits. The delight and gratitude of the recipients was a pretty and pleasant thing to behold.
By the time that was over the Raymond’s dinner hour had arrived, and they hastened to their boarding-house.
As they left the table the captain caught an inquiring look from Lulu.
“Yes, child, you shall know now; you have waited very patiently,” he said. “I am going to teach you how to handle a pistol and shoot at a mark.”
“Oh, good, good!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. “I always did want to know how to shoot, but I didn’t suppose you’d ever let me touch a pistol or gun, papa.”