"Yes, thank you, Mamma Vi," he answered cheerfully, but with a longing look at her.
"What is it, Max?" she asked, with her sweet smile. "Don't be afraid to tell me if there is anything you want."
"I—I'm afraid I oughtn't to ask it," he stammered, blushing vividly, "I've no right, and—and it might be disagreeable, but—oh, I should like to kiss you good-night!"
"You may, Max," she said, laughing, then put her arms round his neck and gave the kiss very heartily.
"Thank you," he cried in blushing delight; then hurried away, calling back, "Ah, good-night, Lu!"
"Good-night," she answered, looking wistfully at Violet.
"Shall I have a good-night kiss from you too, dear?" Violet asked, offering her lips.
Lulu accepted the invitation in an eager, joyous way, then asked, "May I see Gracie before I go to bed?"
"Yes, dear; we will go in very quietly lest we should wake her if she is asleep."
They found Gracie awake, Aunt Chloe shaking up her pillow and smoothing the cover over her.