And if you would like to accept this invitation, you may do so with my full consent." "Thank you, father dear, but I really do not care to go; I should much prefer to keep the engagement already made for that day." "Ah! what is that ?" "Now, papa, have you forgotten that you are to take Mamma Vi, Gracie, and me into the city to do some shopping ?" "Ah, yes; I had forgotten it for the moment.

But I dare say both your mamma and Grace would be willing to defer that for a day or two." "But I wouldn't, because my father has taught me not to break engagements without very strong reasons; which I don't think I have in this case." He laughed a little at that.

"Well, daughter," he said, "you shall do as you please about it, and I am glad to see that you are so good at remembering your father's instructions and so ready to obey them." "Thank you, sir.

And now must I answer Chester's note--or will you do it for me ?" "That shall be just as you please, daughter.

Perhaps it would be as well for you to write the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have me do so, I shall not refuse." "May I do it on the typewriter ?" "If you prefer it, I see no objection." "I do prefer it; it is so much easier and quicker than working with a pen," she said.
"Perhaps you would better wait until to-morrow morning, however," he suggested; "for, on thinking the matter over, you may find that you prefer to accept the invitation after all." He was examining the rest of his mail, and she considered his proposition for a moment before replying to it.
"Yes, papa," she said at length, "I will wait a little--perhaps till to-morrow morning--before writing my answer.