"And you are not anxious that he should?" he queried with a smile.

"Not unless he is entirely willing to have me go; and hardly even then,
as he is not to be one of the party."

"That is my own good little girl," he said, putting an arm about her,
drawing her close to his side, and kissing her several times. "I am not
willing to have you a young lady yet,--as I think you know,--but I want
to keep you my own little girl for some time longer."

"I am very glad that you do, papa," she returned, laying her head
against his breast and putting her arms about his neck, "and I hope you
won't ever, ever grow tired of keeping me for your own, altogether
yours, with no partner in the concern," she added with a low, gleeful
laugh.

"You need have no fear that I will grow tired of it until you do," he
said with a smile, and repeating his caresses. "But when that time comes
do not hesitate to tell me: for, rest assured, your happiness is very
dear to your father's heart. And if you would like to accept this
invitation, you may do so with my full consent."

"Thank you, father dear, but I really do not care to go; I should much
prefer to keep the engagement already made for that day."

"Ah! what is that?"

"Now, papa, have you forgotten that you are to take Mamma Vi, Gracie,
and me into the city to do some shopping?"