CHAPTER XXI.
"Then all was jollity, Feasting and mirth, light wantonness and laughter."
"It seems nice and warm here," remarked Lulu; "but," glancing about, "I don't see any fire."
Her father pointed to a register. "There is a cellar underneath, and a furnace in it," he said. "I thought that the safest way to heat these rooms for the use of very little people. I do not want to expose you to any danger of setting yourselves on fire."
"It's getting a little dark," remarked Grace.
"Yes," he said. "We will go in now. It is time for you to be dressed for the evening."
"Papa, who is to tell us what to wear,—you, or mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, as they pursued their way back to the house.
"You may wear your cream-colored cashmere with the cherry trimmings;
Gracie, hers with the blue," he replied.
"That's just what I wanted you to say, papa! I like those dresses," remarked Lulu with satisfaction.
"That is well: and Gracie, of course, is pleased; for she never objects to any thing papa or mamma wishes her to do," he said, with a loving glance down into the little girl's face.