“Papa, I do think she’s the dearest, sweetest baby that ever was made,” Lulu said, standing by his side and softly smoothing the baby’s golden curls.
“In spite of her mischievous propensities, eh?” he returned laughingly, while little Elsie held up her face for a kiss, saying “Lu, Lu!”
Lulu gave the kiss very heartily. “Yes, papa,” she answered, “I don’t believe she’s a bit more mischievous than other babies, and she doesn’t know any better. I wonder if its just because she’s our own baby that she seems so beautiful and sweet?”
“Not altogether that, I am sure,” he said, though no doubt it adds a good deal to the attraction. “What do you think about it, mamma?” he asked, looking up fondly into Violet’s eyes as she came to his other side.
“Oh, of course, I know she’s the darlingest baby that ever was born!” she returned gayly, bending down to kiss the little rosebud mouth, “Though no doubt you have thought the very same of three others.”
“Ah, how come you to be so good at guessing?” he responded, laughingly. “Yes, I remember that each one seemed to me a marvel of beauty and sweetness. I thought no other man had ever been blest with such darlings; and I’m afraid I must confess that I am of pretty much the same opinion yet,” he concluded, gathering all three of his little girls into his arms and looking down lovingly upon them, for Gracie too had come to him and was standing beside her older sister.
“It can’t be for goodness, as far as I’m concerned,” sighed Lulu half under her breath; but he heard her.
“No, nor for beauty; but just because you are my very own,” he said, caressing them in turn, Violet looking on with shining eyes.
“Lulu, dear,” she said, turning to her with a loving look, “I was sorry that baby did such damage to your pretty things. I thank you for being so patient and forbearing with her—the little mischief!”—glancing smilingly into the blue eyes of the babe—“and I shall make good your loss. I have plenty of bits of silk, satin, ribbon, velvet and lace among my treasures to more than replace what she spoiled.”
“Oh thank you, Mamma Vi,” exclaimed Lulu delightedly.