"Yes," she returned gayly, "I think even the children will hardly enjoy it more than I; and," she added laughingly, "I shall endeavor to earn my right to it by faithfully attending to housekeeping matters in the meantime."
"I don't believe there is any schoolroom here!" exclaimed Grace, as if struck with a sudden thought.
"We will have to select one and get it ready before the others come," said Violet.
"And for the present my dressing-room will answer very well," added the captain.
So thither the children repaired at the usual hour for beginning their studies.
It was at first a little difficult to fix their attention upon them, but with an earnest desire to do right, and to please their dear father, they made very determined efforts, and had their lessons well prepared by the time he came to hear them.
It seemed to afford him pleasure to give the deserved meed of praise, and the young faces grew bright and gladsome under it. An hour was then given to writing and ciphering, and they were dismissed for the day.
"May we go out into the grounds now, papa?" asked Lulu, as she put up her books.
"Yes," he replied, "but keep near the house for the present, for it is near dinner-time now."
"We will, papa," both little girls answered and hurried away.