"Take Gracie first, please, papa," said Lulu; "she is frightened, I believe."
"Frightened?" he said, stooping to take her in his arms; "there is nothing to be afraid of, darling. Do you think papa would leave you behind or drop you into the water?"
"No; I know you wouldn't," she said, with a little nervous laugh, and clinging tightly about his neck.
"Mayn't I wade out, papa?" Max called after him.
"Yes; but stay with your sister till I come for her."
"Where's my baby, Levis?" asked Violet, laughingly, as he set Grace down by her side.
"The baby! Sure enough, where is it?" he exclaimed, with an anxious glance toward the shore.
"Ah, there stands the nurse with it in her arms. You shall have it in yours in a moment."
"Here's the baby, papa; please take her first; I don't mind waiting," said Lulu, as he stepped ashore again.
He gave her a pleased, approving look. "That is right; it will be but a minute or two," he said, as he took the babe and turned away with it.