"And I suppose your conclusion is that fathers are sometimes very doubtful blessings," the captain said, assuming a grave and troubled air.
She gave him a startled look. "Oh, papa! surely you are not in earnest? surely you know that I was not?" she exclaimed beseechingly.
He smiled and held out his hand. She sprang to his side and he drew her to a seat upon his knee.
"Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caressing her hair and cheek with his hand, "and I, too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no doubts of the sincere, ardent affection of my eldest daughter."
"Yes," said Violet with a smile, "I think she very nearly makes an idol of her father—which is not surprising considering what a dear, good father he is. Well, I have read the note, Lu, and I think, if I were you, I would accept the invitation. Don't you think, my dear, that we might do the shopping to-morrow?"
"Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he replied. "I do not know why to-morrow would not suit for that business as well as the next day."
"And that leaves you free to accept Chester's invitation, Lu."
"Yes, and I begin to feel as if I might enjoy it right well if——"
"If what, daughter?" her father asked, as she paused, leaving her sentence unfinished.
"If I were perfectly sure you would not rather I did not go, papa."