“Papa,” asked Grace thoughtfully, “doesn’t it say somewhere in the Bible that it is better to get wisdom than gold?”
“Yes; in Proverbs Solomon exclaims, ‘How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.’ But doubtless he there refers to heavenly wisdom—a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the wisdom by which God established the heavens and founded the earth.”
“When am I to begin school, captain?” asked Marian presently.
“I think I will let you off until next week, if you wish it,” he replied in a playful tone; “or, as I go to Annapolis for a day or two early the week after, perhaps you may as well delay beginning your studies until my return.”
“O Marian, don’t! do begin next Monday,” urged Lulu. “I do so want to have you with us in the school-room and for you to find out what a good and kind teacher papa is.”
“His eldest daughter being the judge,” remarked the captain with an amused look.
“And his second daughter being of exactly the same opinion,” added Grace, slipping a hand into his as she stood close at his side.
He pressed it affectionately, then, still holding it fast, proposed that they should return to the veranda where they had been sitting before the call to the tea-table.
He led the way with Grace, the others following, and presently the four were seated there, Grace close to her father on one side, Lulu on the other, and Marian near at hand.
“O Marian, do say you will begin lessons next Monday,” urged Lulu again. “I’m perfectly sure your dresses can be fitted by that time, and if there is any fitting not done, it can be attended to out of school hours; or papa will let you go for a little; for he’s always reasonable and kind; if it is his own little girl that says so,” she concluded with a roguish look up into her father’s face.