Lulu hesitated, and looked half inquiringly, half entreatingly at her father. She was very loath to leave the room while the interesting discussions in regard to arrangements for the anticipated amusements were going on, questions of drapery, scenery, costumes, and who should be given this part and who that, were being settled.
“You are free to go or stay, as you choose,” the captain answered to the look, speaking in a very kind tone.
He waited a moment for her decision. There was evidently a struggle in her mind for a brief space, but love for her little feeble sister conquered.
“I’ll go, papa,” she said. “I’ve been away from Gracie all day, and it would be too bad to refuse her.”
“That is right and kind, daughter,” he returned with an approving smile, as he rose with the little sleeper in his arms, for Gracie was already too far on the way to the land of dreams to be aware of the sacrifice of inclination Lulu was making for her sake.
CHAPTER IV.
“Get me Gracie’s night-dress, and we’ll put her to bed—you and I,” the captain said pleasantly to Lulu, when they had reached Gracie’s bedroom.
Lulu made haste to obey, and stood by his side ready to give her assistance when needed.
“Poor darling,” she said in a low tone, “how tired and sleepy she is, papa.”
“Yes, she is not at all strong yet,” he sighed, thinking to himself it was not likely she would ever be any thing but feeble and easily exhausted.