"We like school, papa," said Grace. "I never liked it half so well
before."

"Nor I." "Nor I," cried the other two.

"But you are glad of a holiday once in a while, nevertheless?" their
father said, with a pleased look.

"Oh, yes, indeed, papa! 'specially when it is to go somewhere with you,"
replied Grace; and again the others gave a hearty assent.

When family worship was over, the captain handed a little roll of
bank-notes to each, saying, "Now run away, and get yourselves ready for
your ride. Put on your warmest clothing, for the wind is sharp."

They flurried out into the hall; then Lulu hesitated, turned about, and
ran back.

"Papa," she said, rushing up to him, where he sat beside a table, with
some papers before him, and throwing her arm round his neck, "dear papa!
you are just too good and kind to me! Oh, I don't mean to be
disobedient, wilful, or passionate ever again!"

"I am rejoiced to hear you say that, my dear little daughter," he
replied, putting his arm round her, hugging her close, and kissing her
tenderly; "and I do not think I shall ever regret any thing I have done
for you or either of the others. It is, to me, the greatest pleasure in
life to do whatever I can to make my children happy."

"I am so, _so_ sorry I was naughty and disobedient last night," she