CHAPTER III.
Lucilla could never stay long away from her old home in her father's house; she was there every day and often two or three times a day.
"Father," she said, on that first Saturday after taking possession of the new home, "mayn't we Sunnyside folks come over here and join your Bible class to-morrow evening?"
"My dear child, it is just what I would have you do," he returned, with a gratified and loving smile. "Don't forget that Woodburn is still your home—one of your homes at least—and that you are always welcome and more than welcome to join us when you will. You are my own daughter as truly as ever you were."
"And just as glad to be as ever I was," she exclaimed, with a bright, loving look and smile. "And to do your bidding at all times, father dear," she added.
"Provided it does not interfere with Chester's," Max, who happened to be present, suggested a little mischievously.
"Hardly any danger of that, I think," remarked his father, with a slightly amused look; "Chester is a reasonable fellow, and I have no intention of interfering with his rights."
"And he thinks almost as highly of my father's wisdom as I do," said Lucilla.