The three little girls came up to their rooms in gayest spirits, saying to each other that they had been having a lovely time, but were careful to move and talk quietly for fear of disturbing Grace and Rose Lacy who was now asleep by her side.
“It’s quite too bad for us to turn you out of your bed, Lu,” said Evelyn; “let me take the couch.”
“Or me,” said Lora; “you two are such great friends that I know you’d like to sleep together.”
“Thank you both,” returned Lulu, “but you must have the bed; and you needn’t pity me for having to sleep on the couch, for it is every bit as comfortable. Besides papa is coming up presently to bid me good-night—and you won’t care to see him; so I’ll shut the door between the rooms and have him all to myself.”
“How nice of him!” exclaimed Lora. “My father never does that; I don’t believe it ever so much as entered his head that he might; but mother does.”
“Yes, I know it’s nice,” said Evelyn; “I remember how sweet it was to have papa come to me in that way. I’m glad for you, Lu, that you have such a father. I know if he were mine I should love him as dearly as you do.”
“There, I hear his step!” cried Lulu; “so good-night, girls. Pleasant dreams,” and she hurried into the next room, closing the door after her.
Her father entered by another at the same moment. “Are you quite ready for me?” he asked.
“Yes, papa; I’m all ready for bed. I’ve put this warm dressing-gown on over my nightdress, and the nice warm slippers you bought for me, on my feet; so I’ll not take cold; and mayn’t I sit on your knee a few minutes?”
“It is exactly what I want you to do,” he said, taking an easy chair beside the grate, and drawing her into his arms. He held her close for a moment, then lifted her to the desired seat, saying: “There, hold out your feet to the fire and get them well warmed while we talk. Have you any thing particular to say to me?”