CHAPTER IX.
The Woodburn carriage was quite full with the captain and his entirefamily, excepting, of course, his eldest son, Max, who was far away onboard a man-of-war.
"Well," said Violet, as they drove out of Beechwood Avenue into thehighway, "I have enjoyed little Ronald's birthday party very much, andhope you can all say the same."
"Oh, yes, mamma! I think we had good fun," exclaimed Neddie. "To be sureRonald is only a baby boy--just about half as old as I am--but he's avery dear little fellow; and then his grandpa made a great deal of funfor us."
"Sometimes it was his papa who did it, I think," said Elsie.
"Oh, yes!" said Ned. "Papa, why don't you do such things for ussometimes?"
"Really, my son, I do not seem to have any talent in that line,"returned the captain with a smile. "Your brother Max has, however, andI hope that, some of these days, he will come home and make the fun foryou that you are so eager for."
"Oh, I'll be so glad! And will he teach me how to do it, too?"
"I hardly think he can," his father answered, with an amused look; "atleast, not till you are a good deal older than you are now."
"Well, I'm getting older every day; mamma tells me so when she wants meto behave like a little gentleman."
"Which is always, Neddie boy," Violet said, with an amused look.
"Yes, my son, both mamma and papa want their little boy to be always alittle gentleman--kind, courteous, and thoughtful for others," thecaptain said, softly patting the little hand laid confidingly on hisknee.
"Lu, do you know if Rosie sent off those important letters thismorning?" asked Violet.
"Yes, she told me she did; also that she had learned from Cousin Marythat Cousin Arthur had written a warm invitation from himself and hiswife, and from her and Cousin Cal, and sent it by the early morningmail. I presume they will be received by the Crolys to-morrow and thattwo or three days later the reply will come."
"I think it can hardly fail to be an acceptance," said Violet. "I shallbe glad of the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Rosie's futuremother-in-law,--the father-in-law too,--and I dare say Will is anxiousto have them know mamma, and perhaps the rest of us."
"And, having done so they will be all the more pleased with the match,"added the captain. "By the way, my dear, we must keep open house for theentertainment of family connections when they are here to attend thewedding."
"I am entirely willing," Violet answered with a smile; "as well I may bewhen my husband bears all the expense and does the planning, with thehousekeeper's assistance, and she directs the servants, who do all thework. Really I do not know where a more fortunate woman than I can befound."
"Nor I where a more appreciative wife could be discovered," returned thecaptain, regarding her with a smile of profound affection.
"I hope Captain Keith will be one of our guests," said Grace. "I likedhim very much when he visited us that time at the seashore. Didn't you,Lu?"
As the question was asked the captain turned a quick, inquiring lookupon his eldest daughter, which, however, she did not seem to notice.
"Yes," she said rather indifferently, "I liked him well enough; and Iremember he was pleasant and kind at West Point--showing us about andexplaining things. But even if he hadn't been so kind and obliging Ishould be glad to entertain him as papa's friend," she added. "Were youboys together, father?"
"No," laughed the captain; "if I am not mistaken I am fully ten yearsolder than Captain Keith."
"Why, papa, I don't think you look like it. And you are such greatfriends," exclaimed Lucilla.
"Well, my child, people may be great friends without being very near ofan age," laughed her father. "For instance, are not you and I greatfriends?"
"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 andNed seem to love me nearly as well as my daughters do."
"Every bit as much, papa!" exclaimed Ned earnestly. "I do, I'm sure."
"That is pleasant to hear, my boy," his father said, smiling fondly uponthe little fellow. "And I presume brother Max would say the same if hewere here. Ah, we have reached home"; for at that moment the carriageturned in at the great gates.
"Our own sweet, lovely home!" said Grace, looking out upon the beautifulgrounds with shining eyes. "I am always glad to get back to it, nomatter where I have been."
"I too," said Lucilla; "unless my father is somewhere else," she added,giving him a most loving look.
"Ah, I wasn't thinking of being in it without papa," said Grace. "I'drather live in a hovel with him than in a palace without him."
"I don't doubt it, my darling," he returned. "I am entirely sure of thelove of both of you, and of all my children."
"And of your wife, I hope," added Violet in a sprightly tone.
"Yes, indeed, my love, or I should not be the happy man I am," heresponded; then, as the carriage drew up before the entrance to themansion, he threw open the door, alighted, and handed them out in turn.
"The children seem to be tired," remarked Violet; "do you not think theymight as well go at once to their beds, my dear?"
"Yes," he said. "Grace also; for she looks as weary as they."
"Thank you, papa," she said. "I am tired enough to be glad to do so. Butdon't be anxious," she added with a smile, as he gave her a troubledlook; "I am not at all sick; it is only weariness." And she held up herface for a kiss, which he gave heartily and with a look of tenderestfatherly affection.
The two little ones claimed their turn; then Violet and the three wentupstairs, leaving the captain and Lucilla alone together.
"Didn't you say you had some letters to write when you came home,papa?" she asked; "and can't I help you?"
"I say yes to both questions," he answered pleasantly. "Take off yourhat and come with me into the library. But perhaps you are too tired,"he added hastily, as if just struck by the thought. "If so, daughter, Iwould not have you exert yourself to do the work now. It can wait tillto-morrow morning. Or, if I find anything needing an immediate reply, Ican attend to it myself, without my little girl's assistance."
"But I am not tired, papa, and I dearly love to help you in any andevery way that I can," she answered, smiling up into his eyes.
"I do not doubt it in the least, my child," he said, laying his hand onher head in tender, fatherly fashion; "and you are a very great help andcomfort to me; so much so that I shall be extremely loath ever to letanybody rob me of my dear eldest daughter."
"I hardly think anybody wants to yet, papa," she laughed; "nobody seemsto set anything like the value upon me that you do. So you needn't be inthe least afraid of ever being robbed of this one of your treasures.Ah, papa, it is so nice--such a happiness to have you esteem me atreasure, and to know that I belong to you."
"A happiness to me as well as to you, dear child," he said. "Well, wewill look at the letters and decide whether it is necessary to answerany of them to-night."
They had entered the library and drawn near the table while they talked.A pile of letters lay upon it. He took them up and glanced at thesuperscription upon each.
"Ah! here is one directed to you, daughter," he said, "and from someonein this neighborhood; for it is without a stamp."
"Probably from Maud or Sydney," she remarked.
"No," said her father, "the handwriting is evidently that of a man.Well, you may open it and see who the writer is," handing it to her ashe spoke.
"If you would rather I did not, papa, I do not want to," she said, notoffering to take it. "Please read it first."
"I can trust you, daughter, and you have my full permission to readit," he said in a kindly indulgent tone.
"Thank you, papa; but I really prefer to have you read it first," shereplied.
He smiled approval, broke the seal, and glanced over the missive.
"It is from Chester Dinsmore," he said; "merely an invitation to you togo
with him to a boating party on the river, if your father givesconsent."
"Which I don't believe my father will," laughed Lucilla.
"And you are not anxious that he should?" he queried with a smile.
"Not unless he is entirely willing to have me go; and hardly even then,as he is not to be one of the party."
"That is my own good little girl," he said, putting an arm about her,drawing her close to his side, and kissing her several times. "I am notwilling to have you a young lady yet,--as I think you know,--but I wantto keep you my own little girl for some time longer."
"I am very glad that you do, papa," she returned, laying her headagainst his breast and putting her arms about his neck, "and I hope youwon't ever, ever grow tired of keeping me for your own, altogetheryours, with no partner in the concern," she added with a low, gleefullaugh.
"You need have no fear that I will grow tired of it until you do," hesaid with a smile, and repeating his caresses. "But when that time comesdo not hesitate to tell me: for, rest assured, your happiness is verydear to your father's heart. And if you would like to accept thisinvitation, you may do so with my full consent."
"Thank you, father dear, but I really do not care to go; I should muchprefer 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 yourmamma 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 breakengagements without very strong reasons; which I don't think I have inthis case."
He laughed a little at that. "Well, daughter," he said, "you shall do asyou please about it, and I am glad to see that you are so good atremembering 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 itfor me?"
"That shall be just as you please, daughter. Perhaps it would be as wellfor you to write the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have me doso, 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 apen," she said.
"Perhaps you would better wait until to-morrow morning, however," hesuggested; "for, on thinking the matter over, you may find that youprefer to accept the invitation after all."
He was examining the rest of his mail, and she considered hisproposition for a moment before replying to it.
"Yes, papa," she said at length, "I will wait a little--perhaps tillto-morrow morning--before writing my answer. And now I will get ready towrite replies to those letters at your dictation."
"Yes, daughter; fortunately there are but few that call for a reply, andit need not be long in any case." He laid down the letters and took thecover from the machine as he spoke, then supplied her with paper andenvelopes, put a sheet into the machine, and began dictating. They madequick work of it, and had finished in about half an hour.
Violet joined them just as Lulu took the last sheet from the machine.
"Oh," she said, "I see you are busy; but I will not interrupt."
"We are just done, my dear, and very glad to have you with us," said herhusband.
"Yes, Mamma Vi, this is the last letter papa wants written for him, andyou are just in time to help me decide on a reply to one of my own."
"Willingly, if you wish it; but I should say your father's advice wouldbe worth far more than mine," returned Violet in a sprightly tone."Levis, my dear, do you refuse to tell her what to do or say?"
"I only advise her to follow her own inclination--if she can find outwhat that is," he answered, regarding Lucilla with a smile that seemed amixture of fatherly affection and amusement.
"Yes, papa is so dear and kind he won't give me any order at all, and Iam so used to being directed and controlled by him that it really seemshard work to decide for myself," laughed Lucilla.
"But what about? My curiosity is keenly aroused," said Violet, glancingfrom one to the other.
"An invitation for me to go boating and picnicking day after to-morrow,"returned Lucilla. "You may read it," handing Chester's note to Violet."I have no very strong inclination to accept,--especially as we areexpecting to take that day for our shopping expedition to the city,--butpapa seems to think I should hardly decline on that account. Still heleaves me free to decline or accept as I please, and though I have oftenwished he would, when he wouldn't, this time I wish he wouldn't when hewill"; she ended with a hearty laugh.
"And I suppose your conclusion is that fathers are sometimes verydoubtful blessings," the captain said, assuming a grave and troubledair.
She gave him a startled look. "Oh, papa! surely you are not in earnest?surely you know that I was not?" she exclaimed beseechingly.
He smiled and held out his hand. She sprang to his side and he drew herto a seat upon his knee.
"Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caressing her hair and cheek withhis hand, "and I, too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no doubts ofthe sincere, ardent affection of my eldest daughter."
"Yes," said Violet with a smile, "I think she very nearly makes an idolof her father--which is not surprising considering what a dear, goodfather he is. Well, I have read the note, Lu, and I think, if I wereyou, I would accept the invitation. Don't you think, my dear, that wemight do the shopping to-morrow?"
"Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he replied. "I do not know whyto-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 hersentence 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," hereturned with a smile, and in a jesting tone; "and though I still callyou my little girl, that is more as a term of endearment than anythingelse; and I really think you are large enough, old enough, and goodenough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my sight--away from my side."
"Thank you, papa dear," she said, her eyes shining; "it is a greatpleasure to hear you say that, and I certainly do intend to conductmyself exactly as I think you would wish; so now I will answerChester's note with an acceptance of his invitation," she added, leavingher father's knee and seating herself before the typewriter. "I'll makeit 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 wasabout to write for him.
She made quick work, saying only what seemed necessary, submitted it toher father's and Violet's verdict, which was altogether favourable, thendirected 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 nohindrance 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 infinding very suitable and handsome wedding gifts for Rosie. Father, howmuch may I spend on one?"
"I think not more than a hundred dollars."
"Oh! may I have so much as that for it? You dear, good papa!" sheexclaimed.
"I am well able to afford it," he returned pleasantly, "and should besorry to let my daughters give other than valuable wedding gifts to mywife's sister."
"Thank you, my dear," said Violet with a gratified look. "I have nodoubt Rosie will appreciate your and your daughter's kindness, as shecertainly ought to."
"Grandma Elsie has been very, very kind to us," said Lucilla, and herfather added:
"She has, indeed! I can never forget how kindly she took my children inwhen I was unable to provide them with a good and happy home."
"Hark! I hear carriage wheels on the drive; we are going to havecallers," exclaimed Lucilla, and, as she spoke, they all rose and wentout upon the veranda to receive their guests.
They proved to be Maud, Sydney, and Frank Dinsmore, from the Oaks; and,when greetings had been exchanged, they said their errand was to speakof the boating party, and ask if Grace could go; also if Lucilla hadreceived Chester's invitation and meant to accept it. Chester would havecome himself but had an unavoidable business engagement for the evening.
"I have given Lucilla permission to go," the captain replied, "but Graceis not strong enough for the exertion she would be likely to makewithout her father at hand to caution and care for her."
"Oh, I am sorry!" said Maud. "I hoped Gracie could go and would enjoyit. But I am glad we may tell Chester that Lu can."
"I have written my acceptance of his kind invitation," Lulu said, "andwill send it in the morning."
"Captain," said Frank, "if you will let Miss Grace go I promise to takeall possible care of her. Won't it seem a trifle hard to her to have tostay at home while her sister and the rest of us are having such a goodtime?"
"I think not," the captain answered. "Grace is the best and most dutifulof daughters, always satisfied with her father's decisions; thinking heknows what is best for her. Also she loves her home and home pleasures;indeed thinks there is no other place quite equal to home."
"It is a lovely place, that's a fact," Frank returned with a slightlaugh, "but variety is the spice of life, and possibly Miss Grace'shealth might be better if she tried more of that spice."
"I think that if you ask her you will learn that a pleasant variety isnot, and has not been, lacking in her experience of life," was thecaptain's pleasant-toned rejoinder.
"I am sure of it," remarked Maud. "I never knew anybody who seemed to mehappier or more light-hearted than Gracie. And, oh, but she dotes uponher father!"
"As all his children do," said Lucilla, giving him a look of ardentaffection.
"You will not keep my daughter out very late?" the captain said,addressing Frank in a tone of inquiry.
"No, sir; we expect to get home before dark. But if anything shouldhappen to detain us you need not be uneasy. We will take good care ofher and return her to you in safety."
"We are staying out rather late now ourselves, Frank, and I thinkshould be starting for home," said Maud, rising and turning to Violet tobegin her adieus.
"Father," said Lucilla, turning to him when their callers had gone,"please don't let me go at all if you expect to be the least bit anxiousabout me. I would far rather stay at home than cause you a moment'suneasiness."
"My dear child, I must allow you a little liberty--let you out of mysight sometimes," he said with a smile. "But it pleases me that you areso ready and willing to do whatever you find most pleasing to yourfather," he added, pressing affectionately the hand she had put intohis.
"Are you not afraid my father will make me miserably conceited--givingme so much more commendation than I deserve?" she asked with a roguishlook and pleased laugh.
"I hope not; you will fall very much in my estimation if you growconceited and vain. I do not think you that now; but, remember, love isblind, and your father's love for you is very great."
"Yes, you dear papa, I know that and it makes me, oh, so happy," shesaid with joyous look and tone.
"As I think you have reason to be, Lu," Violet said, regarding herhusband and his daughter with a smile of pleased sympathy.
"It is time for our evening service, and then for my daughter to go toher bed and take her beauty sleep," remarked the captain looking at hiswatch.
"Yes, papa," laughed Lucilla, "I need all of that kind of sleep that Ican get."