But even if he hadn't been so kind and obliging I should be glad to entertain him as papa's friend," she added.

"Were you boys together, father ?" "No," laughed the captain; "if I am not mistaken I am fully ten years older than Captain Keith." "Why, papa, I don't think you look like it.

And you are such great friends," exclaimed Lucilla.
"Well, my child, people may be great friends without being very near of an age," laughed her father.

"For instance, are not you and I great friends ?" "Oh, we are lovers," she answered with a bright smile up into his eyes.
"But then we are not of the same sex." "And that, you think, makes a difference, eh ?" he laughed.

"But Max and Ned seem to love me nearly as well as my daughters do." "Every bit as much, papa!" exclaimed Ned earnestly.