“I think I can get done the carving in that time, papa,” she said, “and this afternoon I can put in the lining. Maxie, you are nearer done than I, aren’t you?”
“Perhaps just a trifle,” he answered. “Papa, what do you think of this clock-case now?”
The captain examined and admired, then bidding them be punctual in coming to their lessons, went out and left them.
They were careful to obey. Lulu entered the schoolroom with flushed cheeks and shining eyes.
“I’m done, papa,” she said to him in a low aside, “and so is Maxie.”
“I congratulate you both,” he answered, with a look of interest and a kindly smile.
Lessons over, Lulu hastened back to the work-room to gather up the bits of carved wood upon which she had expended so much time and labor.
On the threshold she was met by a little negro boy coming out with a hatchet in his hand.
“Dick! how dare you go in there? What have you been doing with that hatchet?” she asked in tones of mingled anger and alarm.
“Nuffin, Miss Lu,” he answered, running off at full speed, while she hurried into the room and to the table where she had left her treasures laid together in a neat pile.