“I do,” he said; “you gave up very nicely about the sleeping arrangements. I have no fault at all to find with your conduct to-day, and am very glad to be able to say so.”
Her face lighted up with joy. “Papa,” she said, her arm round his neck, her cheek laid to his, “I’m just the happiest girl in the world when you’re pleased with me.”
“And it gives me great happiness to be able to commend you,” he returned. “Now, my darling, good-night. Go to bed and to sleep as soon as you can.”
The magic cave was to be a surprise to most of the young guests, and those who were in the secret guarded it carefully. The doors of the parlor opening into the conservatory were found locked the next morning, while amusements of various kinds, suited to the differing ages and tastes, were provided in other parts of the mansion.
Before breakfast the captain called Lulu into his dressing-room and told her it had been settled the previous evening that Zoe was to be the Peri, Edward and Lester Leland the Genii, the turbaned figures at the entrance to the conservatory would be Herbert and Harold, the unseen musicians Aunt Elsie Leland and Mamma Vi.
“I’m satisfied, papa,” she said, “and I think it’s very good in them all to be willing to help.”
“Yes,” he returned, “but I think, too, that they will enjoy the sport. And I hope, daughter, that you also will get a great deal of enjoyment out of it.”
“Oh, I haven’t a doubt but I shall, papa!” she responded. “I think it will be splendid fun, and I’ve given up wanting to be the Peri.”
“I am glad to hear it!” he returned, “and I really think you will find it more amusing to be one of the outside throng; you will see and hear more of what is done and said than you could from the inside.
“Beside, as hostess you should be where you can give attention to your guests, seeing that each one has as large a share of the fun as you can secure for her, and that no one’s comfort is neglected.”