“And, Oh Gracie, how nice it is to have him at home with us all the time and to live with him in this lovely home!”
“Yes, Lu, I think we ought to be ever such good children.”
“So do I. Oh, here comes papa!” as a manly step drew near the door.
It opened, and the captain came in and bending over Gracie kissed her several times, asking in tender tones how she was and if she had had a pleasant day.
“Yes, papa; oh, very! I’ve just had a nice nap and now I’d like to get up and sit on your knee a little while, if you’re not too tired.”
“I’m not at all tired, my pet, and shall enjoy it perhaps as much as you will,” he said, seating himself and complying with her request.
“Lulu, daughter, put your hat and coat in their proper places, and make your hair neat.”
“Yes, sir,” Lulu returned, in bright, cheerful tones, and moving promptly to obey.
She was back again almost immediately. “Oh, Gracie,” she said, “I didn’t tell you about our dinner! Papa took us to Morse’s, the best and most expensive place in the city, and he let me choose just what I wanted from the bill of fare, and he paid for it.”
“And my wise little girl, who thinks it so delightful to have her own way, chose several dishes that she found she could not eat at all,” remarked the captain, with a humorous look and smile directed at Lulu, who was now standing close at his side.