"I think no place on earth could be more beautiful than Viamede," remarked Lulu; "but this is more charming because it is our very own."
"Yes," chimed in Grace, "papa's and mamma's and ours. It is ever so good in you, papa, to let us own it too."
"Ah?" he returned laughingly, "but that is because I own you, you know."
He had lifted baby Ned to his high chair, and now all seated themselves and the blessing was asked.
They were a lively, happy little dinner-party, the children allowed a share in the conversation.
"Papa," asked Grace at length, "are we to begin lessons to-morrow?"
"No," he replied, "I will give you two days to run about and see everything here, at Ion, Fairview, the Oaks, and so forth. Then you must settle down to work and be very good and industrious if you want to be of the Annapolis party in June."
"Oh, that will be so delightful, papa, and we do intend to be as good and industrious as possible!" she exclaimed, Lulu adding, "I am sure I do, and if I should deserve punishment, papa," she went on in an undertone hardly audible to anyone but him, for as usual she was seated close at his right hand, "please do make it something else than being left at home."
"I have little fear of being compelled to punish you in that way or any other, daughter," he replied, giving her a loving look.
"Thank you, dear papa; it is so kind in you to say that; and Gracie and I do just love to belong to you," raising her voice a little, "Don't we, Gracie?"