“If it does not, it will be no fault of their father’s,” remarked Violet, giving him a look of proud, fond affection, as she took the babe from Max. “We mustn’t impose upon brother Max’s good nature, little girlie,” she said.
“Indeed, Mamma Vi, it’s no imposition,” he protested, “I like to hold her.”
“Oh Max,” cried Lulu, “won’t you tell us about the good times you’ve been having at the Oaks?”
“After a while,” he said, “but now I want to go round and see how things look indoors and out.”
“Oh yes; you must see what papa’s been having done in the conservatory, where the magic cave is to be. I’ll go with you, shan’t I?”
“Of course, if you like.”
“We’ll all go,” said the captain, taking little Elsie from her mother, “baby and all;” and he led the way, Violet following with Gracie clinging to her hand, Max and Lulu bringing up the rear, the latter talking very fast of all that was to be done for the entertainment of their expected guests.
Max was almost as much pleased and interested as even she could have wished.
“What lots of fun it will be!” he said, when he had seen the alterations and heard all that was to be told about the new use to be made of the conservatory. “Papa, I think it’s just splendid in you to give us youngsters such a party!”
“Splendid?” echoed his father with a humorous smile. “I presume that must mean that I am a shining example of paternal goodness?”