"I really cannot say, Max," she answered doubtfully. "Do you want to go,
too, Gracie?" drawing the child to her side, and softly smoothing her
hair.

"Yes, mamma, if--if I could have you or papa there with me. I don't want
to go very much 'less one of you goes too."

"And you are such a delicate little darling, that I hardly think your
papa will feel willing to have you go, without either of us along to
take care of you."

"I can take perfectly good care of Gracie, mamma Vi," asserted Lulu
with dignity.

"Here comes papa," cried Max, as a step was heard in the hall.

Then the door opened, and the captain came in.

"We've had an invitation, papa, and hope you will let us accept it," Max
said, coming eagerly forward.

"O papa! please, please do!" cried Lulu, running to him, and taking hold
of his hand.

"Let me hear about it," he said, sitting down, and allowing Lulu to take
possession of one knee, Gracie of the other; "but speak one at a time.
Max, you are the eldest: we will let you have the first turn."

Violet sat quietly listening, and watching her husband's face, while the