Woodburn was the principal theme of conversation in the evening also, the entire family being gathered together in the parlor, and no visitors present.
"Tell us about your nursery, Vi," said her mother: "where is it to be?"
"Next to our sleeping-room, mamma, on the other side from Gracie's: you may be sure we want our little ones near us."
"But is it a pleasant room?"
"None brighter or cheerier in the house, mamma; it is of good size too; and we mean to have it furnished with every comfort, and in a way to make it as attractive as possible."
"Pleasantly suggestive pictures among other things?"
"Yes, mamma. I know, from my own happy experience, that they have a great deal to do with educating a child."
"In both morals and art?" said the captain, looking smilingly at her. "I should think so, judging from what my wife is; and surely, it is reasonable to expect a child to be, to some extent, a reflection of its surroundings; refined or vulgar, according to the style of faces—living or pictured—it is constantly gazing upon, etc. But, however that may be, we will try to keep upon the safe side, furnishing only what must have a good influence, so far as it has any at all."
Lulu was there, sitting as close to her father as she could well get.
She had a feeling that it was the only safe place for her.
"Shall I have some pictures on my walls, papa?" she asked in a low aside.