She sprang to his side and he drew her to a seat upon his knee.
"Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caressing her hair and cheek with his hand, "and I, too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no doubts of the sincere, ardent affection of my eldest daughter." "Yes," said Violet with a smile, "I think she very nearly makes an idol of her father--which is not surprising considering what a dear, good father he is.

Well, I have read the note, Lu, and I think, if I were you, I would accept the invitation.

Don't you think, my dear, that we might do the shopping to-morrow ?" "Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he replied.

"I do not know why to-morrow would not suit for that business as well as the next day." "And that leaves you free to accept Chester's invitation, Lu." "Yes, and I begin to feel as if I might enjoy it right well if----" "If what, daughter ?" her father asked, as she paused, leaving her sentence unfinished.
"If I were perfectly sure you would not rather I did not go, papa." "I think I can trust you to behave well, even out of my sight," he returned with a smile, and in a jesting tone; "and though I still call you my little girl, that is more as a term of endearment than anything else; and I really think you are large enough, old enough, and good enough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my sight--away from my side." "Thank you, papa dear," she said, her eyes shining; "it is a great pleasure to hear you say that, and I certainly do intend to conduct myself exactly as I think you would wish; so now I will answer Chester's note with an acceptance of his invitation," she added, leaving her father's knee and seating herself before the typewriter.

"I'll make it short and submit it to you, papa, for approval." "About that, too, you may do exactly as you please," he responded, stepping to her side and putting the paper in for her, as when she was about to write for him.
She made quick work, saying only what seemed necessary, submitted it to her father's and Violet's verdict, which was altogether favourable, then directed an envelope, placed the note in it, and sealed it, saying, "There! it is all ready to go early to-morrow morning, and will be no hindrance to me in getting ready for the shopping expedition." "Which, perhaps, you will enjoy nearly as much as the boating party," remarked Violet in a jesting tone.
"Probably more," responded Lucilla; "at least if we are successful in finding very suitable and handsome wedding gifts for Rosie.