It is very good in him and I shall really try to show him that I am one of the best and most tractable of pupils." "Suppose we join him and Lu to-morrow in their morning walk, as we did to-day, and then and there improve the opportunity to discuss this momentous question," suggested Evelyn laughingly.
"I am strongly in favor of so doing, provided I wake in season," returned Rosie, and with that they separated for the night.
They carried out their plan, had a pleasant little morning ramble and chat with the captain and Lulu, and finding that such was his wish, promised to do but little in the way of making Christmas gifts, in order that their time and attention might be the more fully occupied with their studies, which they were all to take up again on the following Monday.
"And this being Friday, we have only to-day and to-morrow for play.

It looks like rain, too," sighed Rosie disconsolately, glancing up at the sky as she spoke; "so we are not likely to have much out-of-door sport." "Ah, well, little sister, we must not grumble about the rain, for it is needed; and there are the verandas for you young folks to sport upon," returned the captain.
"Besides, your big brother is not intending to be so hard upon you as to allow no diversion after lessons are resumed.

I hope you will all have many an hour for romping, riding, driving, boating, and walking." "Pleasant chats, too, and interesting books to read; music, and games besides," remarked Evelyn.

"Oh, we are not likely to suffer from lack of diversion when we have been good and industrious enough to deserve it," she added, with a smiling look at the captain.
"As I have little doubt that you will be always," he returned, smiling kindly upon her.
By the time breakfast and family worship were over a gentle rain was falling, and instead of seeking out-of-door amusement, the whole family gathered upon the veranda at the front of the house.
Just then a pretty well-filled mail-bag made its appearance, and presently nearly everybody had one or more letters in hand.
Noticing that her father had several, Lulu presently drew near him and asked, "Mayn't I help you answer those, papa ?" "Thank you, dear child," he returned, smiling fondly upon her, "you may if you wish, but I have plenty of time to do the work myself this morning, and would be sorry to deprive you of the pleasure you might be taking with your mates." "I'll have time enough for that afterward, papa, and would very much rather do a little to help you--if it will be a help, instead of a trouble to you to have me use my machine in that way," she said, with a look up into his eyes that showed plainly how anxious she was to have her offer accepted.
"Then you shall, my darling," he returned, and taking her hand led her into the library, seated her before her typewriter, supplied paper and envelopes, and began dictating to her as on the two former occasions.
"It grieves me to rob my dear little girl of any of her holiday time," he remarked, as the first letter was completed, laying his hand caressingly on her head.

"Your father loves to see you enjoying yourself." "Yes, dear papa, I know that," she replied, with a pleased loving look up into his face, "but there is nothing I enjoy more than feeling that I can be of a little help and comfort to you." "Well, it will not take us long to answer these letters--there are but few to-day--and perhaps you may enjoy your sports all the more afterward," he replied, handing her a fresh sheet of paper.
"This, from our dear Max, is the only one left now," he remarked presently; "and he, I know, would rather have his reply in papa's own handwriting; but, shall I read this to you, daughter ?" "Oh, I should like to hear it, papa!" was her eager response.