“No, papa; not a bit,” she said, and his countenance expressed relief.
“I must go and inquire about Rosie,” he said, rising and turning to leave the room. “But I shall be back again in a few minutes,” he added, catching an entreating look from Lulu.
When he returned Violet was with him. She went quickly to Lulu’s couch, and bending down over her kissed her several times, saying in tremulous tones, “You dear, dear child; how brave and self forgetful you were! We all think you have saved Rosie’s life; the doctor has strong hopes that she will get over it.”
“I am so glad to have been able to do it, Mamma Vi,” returned Lulu, putting her arms affectionately round Violet’s neck.
There was no more merry-making for that day. Tea was ready presently, and shortly after leaving the table all the young guests, except Rosie and Eva, took their departure. Max, Eva, Lulu and Grace spent a quiet evening together, and rather wearied with the excitement of the day, were ready to go early to bed.
Grace being the feeblest, was the most weary of all. Her father carried her up the stairs and into her room; nor did he leave her till her head rested on her pillow, and the sweet blue eyes had closed in sleep.
He was just turning to go, when the door leading into the children’s sitting-room softly opened, and Lulu looked up at him with entreating eyes.
He answered the look with a smile and nod of acquiescence, as he moved noiselessly across the floor, in her direction.
“You know I could never do without my good-night-talk on my birthday, dear papa,” she said, as he joined her, and, taking possession of an easy chair, drew her to his knee.
“No, certainly not,” he answered, caressing her. “I planned to make it a happy day to you, my darling, but could not foresee the danger that met you and your mates in the wood.”