"I see I am not likely to lack for diversion with you at the head of affairs, so I think I shall try to keep you there as long as possible." "I hope you will, Mamma Vi," said Lulu, "And any way I'm glad that when papa is about, he is the one that has control of me." "So I have at least one willing subject," remarked the captain, looking not ill-pleased.
"Two, papa," said Grace, "you can always count on me for one." "I don't doubt it in the least, dear child," he said.

"And now, as I see you have all finished your dinner, and the boat is at the wharf, let us be going." In a few minutes all were seated in the boat, and it was moving rapidly over the water, the children very merry, the parents by no means disposed to check the manifestations of their mirth.
They found the carriage in waiting when they landed.
"You are going with us, Levis ?" Violet said inquiringly, as the captain handed her in.
"I should be pleased to do so, my dear, but have too many business letters calling for immediate reply," he said, lifting little Ned, and then Elsie, to a place by her side.

"Lulu and Gracie, you would like to go with your mamma ?" "Yes, sir, if I may," Grace answered with alacrity, but Lulu declined, saying: "I would much rather stay with you, papa, if I may." "Certainly, dear child; I shall be glad to have you," he said with a pleased look; "but I fear you will find it dull, as I shall be too busy to talk to you, or let you talk to me." "But I can be with you, and perhaps of some use waiting on you, papa." "Perhaps so," he said.

"You generally contrive to make yourself useful to your father in one way or another." Then the carriage drove on, Lulu slipped her hand into his, and together they walked back to the house.
"I do hope I can find something to do that will be a help to you, papa," she said, as they entered the library.
"I verily believe my dear eldest daughter would like to carry all her father's burdens if she could," he said, laying his hand caressingly on her head, "but it wouldn't be good for me, my darling, to have my life made too easy." "I am sure it wouldn't hurt you, papa, and I only wish I could carry all your burdens," she replied, with an ardently affectionate look up into his face.

"Isn't there something I can do now ?" "Yes," he replied, glancing at the table; "here are papers, magazines, and letters, quite a pile.