"Yes," she said rather indifferently, "I liked him well enough; and I
remember he was pleasant and kind at West Point--showing us about and
explaining things. But even if he hadn't been so kind and obliging I
should be glad to entertain him as papa's friend," she added. "Were you
boys together, father?"

"No," laughed the captain; "if I am not mistaken I am fully ten years
older than Captain Keith."

"Why, papa, I don't think you look like it. And you are such great
friends," exclaimed Lucilla.

"Well, my child, people may be great friends without being very near of
an age," laughed her father. "For instance, are not you and I great
friends?"

"Oh, we are lovers," she answered with a bright smile up into his eyes.
"But then we are not of the same sex."

"And that, you think, makes a difference, eh?" he laughed. "But Max and
Ned seem to love me nearly as well as my daughters do."

"Every bit as much, papa!" exclaimed Ned earnestly. "I do, I'm sure."

"That is pleasant to hear, my boy," his father said, smiling fondly upon
the little fellow. "And I presume brother Max would say the same if he
were here. Ah, we have reached home"; for at that moment the carriage
turned in at the great gates.

"Our own sweet, lovely home!" said Grace, looking out upon the beautiful