should be starting for home," said Maud, rising and turning to Violet to
begin her adieus.

"Father," said Lucilla, turning to him when their callers had gone,
"please don't let me go at all if you expect to be the least bit anxious
about me. I would far rather stay at home than cause you a moment's
uneasiness."

"My dear child, I must allow you a little liberty--let you out of my
sight sometimes," he said with a smile. "But it pleases me that you are
so ready and willing to do whatever you find most pleasing to your
father," he added, pressing affectionately the hand she had put into
his.

"Are you not afraid my father will make me miserably conceited--giving
me so much more commendation than I deserve?" she asked with a roguish
look and pleased laugh.

"I hope not; you will fall very much in my estimation if you grow
conceited and vain. I do not think you that now; but, remember, love is
blind, and your father's love for you is very great."

"Yes, you dear papa, I know that and it makes me, oh, so happy," she
said with joyous look and tone.

"As I think you have reason to be, Lu," Violet said, regarding her
husband and his daughter with a smile of pleased sympathy.

"It is time for our evening service, and then for my daughter to go to
her bed and take her beauty sleep," remarked the captain looking at his