“That’s work I shall like, papa,” Lulu said, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. “And I suppose it’ll be my business to find amusement for them all while Mamma Vi and Aunt Zoe and the others are trimming the conservatory and the magic cave?”
“Yes; and I expect to give you some help in that.”
“Will you, papa? Oh, I’m glad! All the girls say that you helped us to have a great deal nicer time yesterday than we could have had without you.”
“Ah! I feel quite complimented,” he said laughingly, stroking her hair and giving her a hug, for she stood by his side with his arm about her waist.
There was a light tap on the door, and Max’s voice asked, “May I come in?”
“Yes,” said his father, and he entered with a cheery “Good morning, papa. Good morning, Lu. I want to talk a little about the fun for to-night. I’ve been thinking somebody should resist being blindfolded and led into the cave, like that Mrs. Cecil did (in the story, you know; I’ve been reading that chapter). It would make more fun.”
“Oh yes,” said Lulu; “of course it would! But who shall do it?”
“You, perhaps,” returned Max in a sportive tone; “you have about as much talent in that line as any body of my acquaintance; there aren’t many folks who’d dare resist papa’s authority for instance, as—”
“Max, Max! don’t tease your sister,” interrupted their father gravely; for Lulu’s eyes were downcast and her cheeks hot with blushes. “She has been very good and obedient of late, and I am sure has no intention of resisting lawful authority in the future.”
“I beg your pardon, Lu,” Max said with hearty good-will. “I really don’t think you have more or worse faults than I have myself.”