"Yes," said Violet with a smile, "I think she very nearly makes an idol
of her father--which is not surprising considering what a dear, good
father he is. Well, I have read the note, Lu, and I think, if I were
you, I would accept the invitation. Don't you think, my dear, that we
might do the shopping to-morrow?"

"Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he replied. "I do not know why
to-morrow would not suit for that business as well as the next day."

"And that leaves you free to accept Chester's invitation, Lu."

"Yes, and I begin to feel as if I might enjoy it right well if----"

"If what, daughter?" her father asked, as she paused, leaving her
sentence unfinished.

"If I were perfectly sure you would not rather I did not go, papa."

"I think I can trust you to behave well, even out of my sight," he
returned with a smile, and in a jesting tone; "and though I still call
you my little girl, that is more as a term of endearment than anything
else; and I really think you are large enough, old enough, and good
enough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my sight--away from my side."

"Thank you, papa dear," she said, her eyes shining; "it is a great
pleasure to hear you say that, and I certainly do intend to conduct
myself exactly as I think you would wish; so now I will answer
Chester's note with an acceptance of his invitation," she added, leaving
her father's knee and seating herself before the typewriter. "I'll make
it short and submit it to you, papa, for approval."