“I trust not, indeed!” he said. “I have no reason to think so. It would distress me greatly if I thought she did; and you must not imagine that she has been telling tales; with all her faults, she is above that, I think.”
“Yes, I do believe she is,” acknowledged Rosie.
Just then the door opened and Lulu’s voice was heard saying, “Oh, here she is! Rosie, we were looking for you. We’re going to look at some of the things for the tableux, and we thought you’d like to see them too.”
“Oh, yes, thank you!” cried Rosie; “those things are always interesting. You’re coming too, aren’t you, captain?” glancing back over her shoulder at him as she hurried toward the little group in the doorway.
He was about to say No, but an entreating look from Lulu caused him to change his mind and go with them.
And he made his presence welcome to them all by the interest he showed in what interested them, and the zest with which he entered into all their pleasures. Not at this time alone, but every day while the guests were there; always so far as concerned the children God had given him for his own.
CHAPTER XI.
The afternoon was spent in rehearsing tableaux, the evening in playing games, and acting charades.
For awhile Grace seemed to enjoy the fun, but an hour before the others were ready to give it up, her father perceived that she was growing weary and carried her off to bed.
“Shall I go with you, Gracie?” Lulu asked, glancing up from the game she was playing.