"Well, daughter," he said, sitting down, and drawing her into his arms, "there is scarcely any thing that gives me more pleasure than gratifying any reasonable request from you. What is it you want?"
"Leave to invite Evelyn to go with us to-morrow, if you don't think it will make too many, papa."
"I suppose it would add greatly to your enjoyment to have her with you," he said reflectively. "Yes, you may ask her; or I will do so, early in the morning, through the telephone, if the weather is such that we can go."
"Thank you, you dear papa." she said, giving him a hug and kiss. "I ought to be a very good girl, for you are always so kind to me."
She was up betimes the next morning, eagerly scanning the sky, which, to her great delight, gave every indication of fair weather for the day.
She hastened to array herself in suitable attire for her trip to the city,—having consulted grandma Elsie on the subject the night before,—and had just finished when she heard her father's step in the hall.
She ran to open the door.
"Good-morning, little daughter," he said with a smile, and stooping to give her a caress. "I have just been to the telephone. Evelyn will go with us, and I trust you will both enjoy your day."
"Oh, I know I shall!" she cried: "it will be just delightful! Are we all to go in the carriage, papa?"
"All but Max: he prefers to ride his pony."