"I hope she is going to be a better girl, in future," he said, kissing her good-night.
It was a joyful surprise to Lulu when, at the breakfast-table the next morning, her father said, "Children, your mamma and I are going to drive into the city, and will take you all along: and, as I suppose you would like to do some Christmas shopping, I shall advance your next week's allowance,—perhaps furnish something over," he added, with a kindly smile.
All three young faces had grown very bright, and there was a chorus of thanks.
"We expect to start in a few minutes after prayers," the captain went on, "and so there will be no school to-day."
"We like school, papa," said Grace. "I never liked it half so well before."
"Nor I." "Nor I," cried the other two.
"But you are glad of a holiday once in a while, nevertheless?" their father said, with a pleased look.
"Oh, yes, indeed, papa! 'specially when it is to go somewhere with you," replied Grace; and again the others gave a hearty assent.
When family worship was over, the captain handed a little roll of bank-notes to each, saying, "Now run away, and get yourselves ready for your ride. Put on your warmest clothing, for the wind is sharp."
They flurried out into the hall; then Lulu hesitated, turned about, and ran back.