"But to change the subject, I suppose we may look for the rest of our party about the last of next week?"
"I shall be ever so glad to see them--especially dear Grandma Elsie and Rosie and Walter; but oh, I wish the Fairview folks were coming, especially Eva," remarked Lulu, ending with a sigh of regret.
"Ah, well, daughter, perhaps Evelyn may be here before the winter is over," the captain said, exchanging a slightly amused glance with Violet.
"Oh, I hope so!" exclaimed Lulu; "but of course one can't expect to have everything one wants in this world."
"No, certainly not," her father said; "it would be by no means good for us if we could."
"Not for me, I know; but oh, I have a great, great many blessings--health and strength and such a dear kind father to love me, provide for me, teach me, and train me up in the way I should go," she concluded, with a smiling look up into his eyes.
"That is what I am trying to do, at all events," he returned, holding her close, "though I sometimes fear I may not always have taken the wisest way."
"Is it because you have succeeded so poorly that you fear so, papa?" she asked. "If so, don't be troubled about it, because I don't believe it's from any mistake of yours, but only that I'm so very naughty and unmanageable."
"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."
"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.