"You are growing up fast and looking more than ever like your father." "Thank you," laughed Max, his eyes shining, "you couldn't possibly give me a higher compliment than that, Christine." "Ah, who shall say that I am not the complimented one, Max ?" laughed the captain.
"I, papa," cried Lulu.

"O Maxie, come upstairs and see the improvements there.

You can look at the downstairs rooms and grounds afterward." "Yes, run along, children," said their father, "and make yourselves ready for the tea table before you come down again." "Yes, sir," they answered in cheerful tones, Max catching up little Ned as he spoke, and setting him on his shoulder.

"Hold on tight, laddie, and your big brother will carry you up," he said, and one chubby arm instantly went round his neck, a gleeful laugh accompanying it as Max began the ascent, his sisters following, Violet and the captain presently bringing up the rear.
"Into our rooms first, Max," said Violet.

"You, too, Lulu and Gracie, that you may hear what he has to say about things there." "Thank you, Mamma Vi," returned Max.