“We hope to do so,” he replied. “However, we shall need to do some furnishing first. This is Saturday evening: Cousin Vi, do you think you and your mother could go with us to the city next Monday and help us make our selection?”
“Yes, indeed; I shall be delighted to do so, and I have no doubt mamma will gladly accompany us. Marian is to be one of the party, I suppose?”
“Oh, yes, if the captain will give her leave of absence for a few hours?”
“Certainly, for an occasion so important,” the captain said pleasantly.
“If it were holiday time Lulu too should be invited to accompany us,” remarked Mr. Lilburn, “and I hope there will be another time when she can.”
“Thank you, sir, I should be glad to go along if it were not that I know papa wants me to stay at home and attend to lessons; and I don’t want to miss them, as our holidays will soon begin.”
“That’s right, lassie,” he said; “make good use of your fine opportunities, and learn all you can in these young days that you may be the better prepared for usefulness in future years.”
“Yes, sir; that is just what papa often says to us,” replied Lulu, with a loving smile up into her father’s face; “and I’ve found out that he always knows best about whatever concerns me.
“Quite a fortunate discovery for you,” returned Mr. Lilburn with a kindly smile, while the captain’s look was full of gratified approval.