"Really, now, Lu, I think your father has succeeded fairly well at the business," laughed Violet. "I doubt if anybody else would have done better."
"Or half so well," said Lulu; "and I am fully resolved to try to do credit to his training."
"I think you had a letter from Max to-day, Levis?" remarked Violet inquiringly, "Dear fellow, I hope he was quite well at the time of writing?"
"Yes; and apparently in excellent spirits. He seems to be doing well in his studies; content with things as they are too, though evidently feeling that he would greatly enjoy being here with the rest of us."
"Yes, poor, dear fellow! I wish he could make one of our party; especially at Christmas time."
"So do I," said his father. "We must make it up to him with as full an account as possible of the Christmas doings here."
"I wonder what they will be," said Lulu.
"We will have to consider and decide that question—to some extent, at least—after mamma comes," replied Violet.
"And now we must go in and have prayers; for it is near bedtime for my eldest daughter," remarked the captain, rising and taking Lulu's hand in his.
The days flew by on swift wings, even to Lulu and Grace, so filled were they with duties and pleasures, and at length the time had come when Grandma Elsie and the others were expected by the evening boat.