I shouldn't though if I thought he took pleasure in beating me, or punishing me in any way." "I don't b'lieve he likes to punish any of us," said Grace.
"I _know_ he doesn't," said Lulu.

"And it isn't any odder that I should love him in spite of his punishments, than that he should love me in spite of all my naughtiness.

Yes, I do think, Gracie, we have the best father in the world." "'Course we have," responded Grace; "but then we don't have him half the time; he's 'most always on his ship," she added tearfully.
"Are you ready for breakfast, dears ?" asked a sweet voice at the door.
"Yes, Grandma Elsie," they answered, hastening to claim the good-morning kiss she was always ready to bestow.
Lulu's heartache had found some relief in her confidence to her sister, and she showed a pleasanter and more cheerful face at the table than Violet expected to see her wear.
It grew brighter still when she learned that they were all to have a long, delightful drive over the hills and moors, starting almost immediately upon the conclusion of the meal.
The weather was charming, everybody in most amiable mood, and spite of the pain of the recent parting from him whom they so dearly loved, that would occasionally make itself felt in the hearts of wife and children, the little trip was an enjoyable one to all.
Just as they drew up at the cottage door on their return, a blast of Captain Baxter's tin horn announced his arrival with the mail, and Edward, waiting only to assist the ladies and children to alight, hurried off to learn if they had any interest in the contents of the mailbag..