"A certificate of stock which will increase your allowance of pocket money to about ten dollars a week."
"Oh, how nice! how kind and generous you are, papa!" she exclaimed, putting an arm about his neck and showering kisses on his lips and cheek.
"And mine is just the same, is it not, papa?" asked Lucilla, taking her turn in bestowing upon him the same sort of thanks. "But oh, I am afraid you are giving us more than you can well spare!"
"No, daughter dear," he said, "you need trouble yourselves with no fears on that score. Our kind heavenly Father has so prospered me that I can well afford it; and I have confidence in my dear girls that they will not waste it, but will use it wisely and well."
"I hope so, papa," said Grace. "You have taught us that our money is a talent for which we will have to give an account."
"Yes, daughter, I hope you will always keep that in mind, and be neither selfish nor wasteful in the use you put it to."
"I do not mean to be either, papa," she returned; "and I may always consult you about it, may I not?"
"Whenever it pleases you to do so I shall be happy to listen and advise you to the best of my ability," he answered with an affectionate look and smile.
CHAPTER III.
A few days later a package of books was received at Woodburn which, upon being opened, proved to be histories of Florida ordered by the captain from the neighboring city. They were hailed with delight by Violet and the older girls, who were cordially invited to help themselves, study up the subject in private, and report progress in the evenings. Each one of them selected a book, as did the captain also.