All was presently bustle and activity in both houses. Zoe and Edward, with no painful parting in prospect, made themselves very merry over their packing. They were much like two children, and except when overcome by the recollection of her recent bereavement, Zoe was as playful and frolicsome as a kitten.
"Can I help, Mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, following Violet into her dressing-room.
Vi considered a moment. "You are a dear child to want to help," she said, smiling kindly upon the little girl. "I don't think you can pack your trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bureau drawers and wardrobe. There are so many trunks to pack that I cannot think of leaving Agnes to do it all."
"My dear," said the captain, coming in at that moment, "you are not to do anything but sit in that easy-chair and give directions. I flatter myself that I am quite an expert in this line."
"Can you fold ladies' dresses so that they will carry without rumpling?" asked Violet, looking up at him with a saucy smile.
"Perhaps not. I can't say I ever tried that. Agnes may do that part of the work, and I will attend to the rest."
"And may I hand you the things, papa?" asked Lulu.
"Yes, daughter," he said, "I like to see you trying to be useful."
They set to work, Violet looking on with interest. "Why, you are an excellent packer, Levis," she remarked presently, "far better than I or Agnes either."
"Thank you," he said, "I am very glad to be able to save you the exertion."