"Yes, papa is so dear and kind he won't give me any order at all, and I
am so used to being directed and controlled by him that it really seems
hard work to decide for myself," laughed Lucilla.

"But what about? My curiosity is keenly aroused," said Violet, glancing
from one to the other.

"An invitation for me to go boating and picnicking day after to-morrow,"
returned Lucilla. "You may read it," handing Chester's note to Violet.
"I have no very strong inclination to accept,--especially as we are
expecting to take that day for our shopping expedition to the city,--but
papa seems to think I should hardly decline on that account. Still he
leaves me free to decline or accept as I please, and though I have often
wished he would, when he wouldn't, this time I wish he wouldn't when he
will"; she ended with a hearty laugh.

"And I suppose your conclusion is that fathers are sometimes very
doubtful blessings," the captain said, assuming a grave and troubled
air.

She gave him a startled look. "Oh, papa! surely you are not in earnest?
surely you know that I was not?" she exclaimed beseechingly.

He smiled and held out his hand. She sprang to his side and he drew her
to a seat upon his knee.

"Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caressing her hair and cheek with
his hand, "and I, too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no doubts of
the sincere, ardent affection of my eldest daughter."