“O papa,” cried Lulu, “mayn’t I sit in Mamma Vi’s place and pour the coffee?”
“You may try,” he said, smiling kindly upon her; “that post of honor should be yours, as my eldest daughter, when there is no lady relative present. Grandma Elsie is in the house, but lying down just now, for a little rest and sleep.”
Lulu felt very proud of the permission and acquitted herself of the duties of her new position quite to her own and her father’s satisfaction. He praised her warmly.
She colored with pleasure, then with a wistful look into his eyes, asked:
“Are we to go to Ion to-day, papa, just the same as if Mamma Vi hadn’t been taken sick?”
“Yes, if you want to,” he said; “her illness need make no difference.”
“But won’t you be lonely without us, papa?”
“No doubt I shall miss my dear little daughters,” he replied, with an affectionate look first at her, then at Gracie, “but it will give me much pleasure to think that you are enjoying yourselves.”
“I’d rather stay at home if you need me, papa.”
“I quite appreciate the offer, dear child,” he said, “but I shall do very well, and perhaps enjoy you all the more when you get back; so go and enjoy yourself.”