"I should not have asked you; Lulu must tell me herself; thankful I am that many and serious as are her faults, she is yet so honest and truthful that I can put full confidence in her word and feel sure that she will not deceive me, even to save herself from punishment." "I think that is high praise, and that Lulu is deserving of it," remarked Violet, glad of an opportunity to speak a word in the child's favor.
Captain Raymond gave her a pleased, grateful look.

"You were going to the beach, were you not ?" he said.

"Then please go on; I shall follow after I have settled this matter with Lulu.

There can be no comfort for her or myself till it is settled.

Gracie, go and tell your sister to come here to me immediately." "Do be as lenient as your sense of duty will allow, dear husband," whispered Violet in his ear, then hastened on her way.
Grace was lingering, gazing at him with wistful, tear-filled eves.
"What is it ?" he asked, bending down to smooth her hair caressingly.
"You should go at once, little daughter, when papa bids." "I would, papa, only--only I wanted to--to ask you not to punish Lulu very hard." "I am glad my little Gracie loves her sister," he said; "and you need never doubt, my darling, that I dearly love both her and you.