lcome
them home.

CHAPTER XVIII.

"Had you a call from Professor Manton, Levis?" asked Violet, as they sat
together on the veranda that evening. "I thought so because he passed us
as we were coming home and was looking very glum."

"Yes, he was here this afternoon," replied the captain.

"In search of pupils, I suppose?"

"Yes; and was rather disappointed to learn that I had none for him. He
asked about Rosie and Walter, but I was unable to tell him positively
whether they would, or would not, be sent to him; though I gave him but
little encouragement, perhaps I should say none at all, to expect them."

"No; I am nearly certain they will not be willing to go to him, and that
mamma will not care to send them; indeed she more than hinted that she
would be delighted to commit them to your care should you show yourself
willing to undertake the task of instructing them. Are you willing?"

"I am hardly prepared to answer that question, my dear," he replied
thoughtfully. "They might not be willing to submit to the authority of
a brother-in-law."

"I am almost sure you would have no trouble in governing them," returned
Violet.

"I don't believe you would have any at all, papa," remarked Lulu, who
was leaning on the arm of his chair and listening with much interest to
the conversation; "neither of them is half so--so wilful and
quick-tempered as I am."

The captain smiled at that, put an arm about her, and drew her closer to
him. "But they don't belong to me as you do," he said, touching his lips
to her cheek. "You are my very own, own little daughter, you know."

"Yes, indeed, and so glad to be," she returned, putting her arm round
his neck and gazing into his eyes, her own shining with filial love.

The younger ones were already in bed, even Gracie having felt too much
fatigued with the duties and pleasures of the day to wait for evening
prayers.

"Yes, I think you may esteem yourself a fortunate child in that respect,
Lu," said Violet. "I really believe it is the next best thing to being
his wife," she added, with a pleasant little laugh.

"I think it's the very best thing, Mamma Vi," returned Lulu.

"Well, to go back to the original topic of discourse, Levis--or at
least to the question whether you are willing to undertake the tuition
of my young sister and brother," Violet went on. "I feel certain they
would give you no trouble in governing them; also that your talent for
teaching is such that the