"Which would make her quite an old maid, I should think, papa," laughed Lucilla. "Yet if you bid me wait that long and can make Chester content—I'll not be at all rebellious."
"No, I don't believe you would; but I have really no idea of trying you so far. By the way, Rosie and her Will, Maud and Dick seem two very happy couples."
"Yes, indeed, father; it is a pleasure to watch them. And do you know
I think Frank Dinsmore is casting longing eyes at our Grace."
"But you don't think the dear child cares at all for him?"
"Oh, no, sir! no, indeed! Grace doesn't care in the least for beaux, and loves no other man half so well as she does her father and mine."
"Just as I thought; but I want you quietly to help me prevent any private interviews between them—lest she might learn to care for him."
"Thank you for trusting me, papa; I will do any best," she responded.
Then they bade good-night and Lucilla went to her room. She found Eva there and they chatted pleasantly together as they prepared for bed. Eva had noticed Frank's evident devotion to Grace and spoke of it, adding, "It is a pity, for of course your father—I had very nearly said father, for I begin to feel as if I belonged in his flock—considering us older ones too young to marry, will say she is very far from being old enough for loverlike attentions."
"Yes, he does," replied Lucilla, "and I want your help in a task he has set me—the endeavor to keep them from being alone together."
"I'll do so with pleasure," laughed Evelyn, "and I think probably it would be just as well to take Grace herself into the plot, for I'm very sure she doesn't care a pin for Frank, but dotes upon her father."