“I, at least, certainly intend doing so,” replied Evelyn.  “Obedience to his wishes—­to say nothing of orders—­it strikes me will be the very least we can do in return for his great kindness in taking the trouble to instruct us.”

“There, you are right!” said Rosie.  “I hadn’t thought of that before.  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.