"Oh, I do hope I'll never, _never_ be very naughty again!" "I hope not, dear child," he responded, returning her caresses.

"I hope you feel ready to resume your studies to-morrow, with diligence and painstaking ?" "Yes, papa, I think I do.

It's almost a week since you have heard me recite; except the Sunday lesson yesterday." "Yes," he said gravely, "it has been something of a loss to you in one way, but I trust a decided gain in another.

Well to change the subject, are you pleased with the prospect of spending the holidays at Ion ?" "Yes, papa; I think it will be lovely; almost as nice as having a party of our own, as we did last year." "Possibly we may add that--a party here for a day or two--if Grandma Elsie does not use up all the holidays with hers," he said in a half jesting tone and with a pleasant laugh.
"O papa, do you really think we may ?" she cried in delight.

"Oh you are just the kindest father!" giving him a hug.
He laughed at that, returning the hug with interest.
"I suppose you and Eva and the rest were laying out plans for Christmas doings this afternoon ?" he said inquiringly.
"Yes, papa, we were talking a good deal about games and tableaux, and about the things we could buy or make for gifts to our friends, and what we would like to have given us." She paused, half hoping he would ask what she wanted from him, but he did not.