"Well," he said with a smile, "what is it?"
"Papa, you know I 'most always have to go to bed at eight o'clock. I'd like ever so much to stay up till nine to-night, if you are willing."
"If you will take a nap after dinner, you may," he replied in an indulgent tone. "Max and Lulu may stay up later than usual if they will do likewise."
They all accepted the condition with thanks, and at the conclusion of the meal retired to their respective rooms to fulfil it.
Violet also, having not yet entirely recovered from the ill effects of anxiety and nursing, consequent upon the baby's injury, retired to her apartments to rest and sleep.
Capt. Raymond went to the library to busy himself with some correspondence first, afterwards with books and papers. He had one of these last in his hand, a pile of them on the table before him, when, from the open doorway into the hall, Lulu's voice asked,—
"Papa, may I come in? are you very busy?"
"Not too busy to be glad of my little girl's company," he said, glancing up from his paper with a pleasant smile. "Come and sit on my knee."
She availed herself of the invitation with joyful haste.
"I thought you were taking a nap," he remarked, as he put his arm round her, and kissed the ruby lips she held up in mute request.