When that duty had been attended to, "Now, daughters," he said, "if you have anything to say, or questions suitable to the sacredness of the day to ask, I am ready to listen and reply to the best of my ability; but even a child may ask a question that a grown person cannot answer," he added with a smile.
"Indeed, papa," said Grace, putting an arm round his neck and laying her cheek lovingly to his, "I think you do know 'most everything; and I'm oh! so glad God gave you to me for my own father."
"I know you are, Gracie, I'm sure of it; but you can't be gladder than I am that he is my father, too," said Lulu, lifting to his eyes full of filial love and reverence.
"Nor than I am that these two little girls are my very own," responded the captain, holding both in a close embrace. "But now for the questions."
"I have one to ask, papa," said Lulu. "It is, what does the Bible mean by growing in grace?"
"Growing in likeness to Jesus and in conformity to his will; having more and more of the love and fear of God in our hearts; more faith and patience, and more love to our fellow-creatures; for the more we love the Master, the more will we love those whom he died to redeem."
"And the more we love him, the more we will try to be like him?" Lulu said in a tone of mingled assertion and inquiry.
"Yes, my child; and it is the dearest wish of my heart that I may see my children thus growing in grace, and in likeness to the dear Master."
"Papa, I want to," said Grace softly; "oh, I want to, very much!"
"Then ask God to help you, my darling, remembering that he is the hearer and answerer of prayer."