"I don't doubt it in the least, dear child," he said. "And now, as I see you have all finished your dinner, and the boat is at the wharf, let us be going."
In a few minutes all were seated in the boat, and it was moving rapidly over the water, the children very merry, the parents by no means disposed to check the manifestations of their mirth.
They found the carriage in waiting when they landed.
"You are going with us, Levis?" Violet said inquiringly, as the captain handed her in.
"I should be pleased to do so, my dear, but have too many business letters calling for immediate reply," he said, lifting little Ned, and then Elsie, to a place by her side. "Lulu and Gracie, you would like to go with your mamma?"
"Yes, sir, if I may," Grace answered with alacrity, but Lulu declined, saying: "I would much rather stay with you, papa, if I may."
"Certainly, dear child; I shall be glad to have you," he said with a pleased look; "but I fear you will find it dull, as I shall be too busy to talk to you, or let you talk to me."
"But I can be with you, and perhaps of some use waiting on you, papa."
"Perhaps so," he said. "You generally contrive to make yourself useful to your father in one way or another."
Then the carriage drove on, Lulu slipped her hand into his, and together they walked back to the house.