"And you, papa? did you sleep well?"
"Very; as I hope and believe all on board did. I suppose you left
Grace still asleep?"
"Yes, sir; sleeping so sweetly that I took particular pains to move quietly and not wake her."
"That was right," he said. "I want her—my feeble little girl—to take all the sleep she can."
"So do I, father; and I think she has gained a good deal in health and strength since she has had you at home almost all the time to take care of her."
"That's what fathers are for—to take care of the children," he returned with a smile.
"Well, daughter, what would you like to do to-day?"
"Whatever my father bids me," she said with a happy laugh.
"Ah! isn't that a rash choice?" he asked, passing his hand caressingly over her hair and smiling down at her as he spoke.
"No, sir; I think not—considering how wise, kind, and loving my father is."