“It is what I desire for them more than wealth, or fame, or any thing this world can give,” he answered, holding her close in a tender embrace.
She had grown very fond of Fairy and missed the pretty creature woefully, but said never a word of complaint or entreaty for her restoration, but strove earnestly to be faithful in the performance of every duty that so she might please her dear father, and fully convince him of her devoted affection.
He noticed her efforts, gave frequent, loving commendation, and was kind as kind could be.
Yet the week seemed a long one; but at last it did come to an end, and on being dismissed from morning lessons Lulu found her pony quietly feeding with Elf in the grassy plat in front of the school-room door.
She gave a joyous cry, but turned and ran back to hug, kiss and thank her father before bidding Fairy welcome.
“It pained me to take her from you, and now it gives me great pleasure to return her, my darling,” he said. “Go and enjoy yourself with her, Gracie and Elf, as much as you can, till dinner time. I am sure I need not remind you that you must keep within the grounds, unless Max or I should join you.”
“I hope not, papa, and I do thank you ever so much for trusting me again,” she answered, as she hurried away.
The absorbing topic of conversation now was Max’s approaching birthday and the party which was to celebrate it.
The little girls held many pleasant consultations with each other, and sometimes with papa and mamma too, about presents for him, desiring to give something that should prove both useful and acceptable.
Max’s satisfaction with what he received, when the day came, seemed to leave no room for doubt that they had succeeded. He was full of boyish delight and more than once expressed the belief that he was the most fortunate fellow in the world; for nobody could have a better father or kinder mother and sisters.