“That’s just the way I feel about it,” Gracie said, nestling up against her father.
“That’s right,” he said, putting his arm round her; “and if any of us are lonesome we must draw the closer together, and each one try to be as kind and entertaining to the others as possible. Suppose I order the family carriage now and take you all for a drive? What do you say to that, Mamma Vi?”
“I am pleased with the proposition,” Violet answered, “and shall go at once and don my wraps. But where is Max? Is he not to go with us?”
“Yes; on his pony; he is off to the stables to take personal oversight of the saddling and bridling. Now, daughters, do you go and get ready.”
It was dinner time when they returned from their drive, Violet and the children rosy and happy, saying they had enjoyed it greatly, but were now hungry enough to be glad to reach home and the dinner-table.
It did not seem a great while after leaving it when the short winter day closed in, the lamps were lighted and, supper over, they gathered close together about the glowing grate in Violet’s boudoir.
This was baby’s time for a romp with papa, brother and sisters. She and they were very merry to-night, enjoying the romp all the more because it had been omitted while the guests were in the house.
While Violet was away seeing baby put to bed, the three older children hung about their father chatting freely with him and each other.
When that had been going on for a few moments, the captain asked, “How about the lonesomeness now, Lulu?”
“Oh, I’m not a bit lonesome now, papa,” she cried, giving him a vigorous hug and laying her cheek to his; “we didn’t have a nicer time all the while the girls and boys were here.”