CHAPTER X.
"Home again, and it's nice to get home!" exclaimed Lulu, skipping up the steps of the veranda and across into the wide hall where all was light and warmth and beauty.
Violet and Grace had preceded her and her father was following with little Elsie in his arms.
"I am glad to hear you say that; glad my daughter appreciates her home," he said in a cheery tone.
"I'd be a queer girl, papa, if I didn't appreciate such a home as this is," she returned with warmth, and smiling up into his face.

"Don't you say so, Max ?" catching sight of her brother who, riding his pony, had arrived some minutes ahead of the carriage and was now petting and fondling his dog at the farther end of the hall.
"Yes, indeed!" he answered; "I think if we weren't happy and contented in this home we oughtn't to have any at all.

Papa, Prince is a splendid fellow!" stroking and patting the dog's head as he spoke.
"So I think," said the captain.
"And I too," said Violet; "he is a very acceptable addition to the family.

My dear, home does look exceedingly attractive to me, as well as to the children.

But little Elsie's eyes are closing; mamma must see her babies to bed." "I wonder where my pussy is ?" Grace was saying, from the library door.
"I thought she'd be lying on the rug before the fire here, like she was the other night; but she isn't." "Oh, and my Polly!" cried Lulu.