"Very well indeed," she said, looking up fondly into his face, "and, oh, so happy now that you are here, my dear, dear husband!"
Gracie crept to his side and leaned lovingly against him.
"My little darling," he said, putting his arm round her and turning to give her a kiss. "But where are Max and Lulu?"
"Up in the boys' work-room, papa," she answered. "They don't know you've come."
"Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly. "Excuse me a moment, my love. Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," and rising hastily he left the room.
Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials for their work, and discussing their comparative merits. So deeply interested were they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they halted in the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standing there, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile.
"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into his outstretched arms.
"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing first one, then the other.
He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for some minutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection.
"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in a tone of mingled triumph and satisfaction.