“I think we are a very happy family,” Violet said with joyous look and tone, “and really it does seem extremely nice to be quite by ourselves occasionally.”
Lulu made the same remark as they all gathered about the open grate in Violet’s boudoir that evening after tea.
“Yes,” said her father, dandling the baby on his knee, “I think it does; though we all enjoy visits from our other dear ones, yet sometimes we prefer to be alone together.”
“Up, up!” said baby, stretching up her arms and looking coaxingly into her father’s face.
“She wants you to toss her up, papa,” said Lulu.
“So she does,” said the captain. Then followed a game of romps in which everybody took part, much to Miss Baby’s delight.
It did not last long, however, for her mammy soon appeared upon the scene with the announcement that baby’s bedtime had come.
Everybody must have a good-night kiss from the rosebud mouth, and then she was carried away, Violet following, while Gracie, as the next in age, claimed the vacated place upon her father’s knee.
“That is right,” he said, “and there is room for Lulu too,” drawing her to a seat upon the other. “Now, Maxie, what have you to tell us about the visit to the Oaks?”
Max had a good deal to tell and was flattered that his father should care to hear it. Drawing his chair up as close to his audience as consistent with comfort, he began talking with much liveliness and animation.