"Do tell me at once how long our powers of endurance of such uncongenial society are to be taxed ?" "Ah, that is beyond my ability." "Then we may hope for weeks or months ?" she said, rapturously.
"Certainly we are not forbidden to hope," he answered, smiling tenderly upon her.
"Oh, I am so glad!" she said, with a happy sigh, leaning her head on his shoulder and gazing fondly up into his face, his right arm about her waist, while Grace clung to the other hand, holding it lovingly between her own and pressing her lips to it again and again.
"Ah, my darling little girl," he said presently, letting Violet go to take Grace in his arms.

"Are you glad to see papa back again so soon ?" "Oh, yes, indeed; nothing else could have made me so very, very glad!" she cried, hugging him close, and giving and receiving many tender caresses.
"But how did it happen.

Levis ?" Violet was asking.
"Through some unlooked-for change in the plans and purposes of the higher powers," he answered, lightly.

"My orders were countermanded, with no reasons given, and I may remain with my family till further orders; and, as you say, we will hope it may be months before they are received." "And you were glad to come back to us ?" Violet said, inquiringly, but with not a shade of doubt in her tones.
"Yes, yes indeed; I was full of joy till I heard that one of my children had been disobeying me, bringing serious consequences upon herself and others." His countenance had grown very grave and stern.

"Where is Lulu ?" he asked, glancing about in search of her.
"Down on the beach with mamma and the rest," Violet answered.
"Can you give me a true and full account of her behavior since I have been away ?" he asked.
"My dear husband," Violet said, entreatingly, "please do not ask me." "Pardon me, dearest," he returned.