and that, when she was tired, there was always a comfortable
resting-place ready for her in that father's arms; and loving, tender
words, which she never heard from any one but him. In his little
daughter the artist found his ideal of childish beauty realized. The
exquisitely shaped oval face; the large eyes of dark blue, through which
the loving little heart looked out at him, and in which, though
generally sparkling with fun and merriment, there was sometimes a dreamy
intentness, as if they beheld a world more beautiful than any which his
art or imagination created; the perfectly formed nose and mouth; the
arched forehead, shaded with golden brown hair; the delicate complexion;
and the witching charm of the graceful little figure, were a perpetual
feast to the artist-father. Miss Mortimer complained bitterly that
nothing would make Lilian behave with the due propriety of a young lady;
but to her father there was a winsomeness in her free, gay manner, that
made up for her wild spirits, which sometimes carried her past the
bounds which the worthy governess laid down for her.

It was one of those glorious evenings in early summer, when all nature
is bathed in that soft golden light which precedes sunset, and little
Lilian was watching for her father's arrival; for it was Friday, and he
generally came on that day to stay till Monday.

The eager child had not long to wait; she heard the well-known footstep
on the gravel, and she bounded out of the door.

"Well, my Lilian."

"Well, papa." And the soft arms were thrown about his neck as the father
stooped to kiss his little daughter.

"All right here, Fairy?"

"Yes, all right. And Miss Mortimer has got so many good things about me
to tell you; and isn't it fine? Won't you take me for a beautiful long
walk, papa?"

"Yes, darling. Shall we go now? I will just speak to Miss Mortimer, and
then we will set off; and I will ask them to defer tea until we return."

"Beautiful!" said Lilian. "I will go and get my hat. Miss Mortimer is in
the school-room, papa."

[Illustration: EAGER WATCHING.]

Mr. Smith walked across the grass, and entered the school-room by a
folding glass-door that opened upon the lawn. Lilian returned presently;
her shady straw hat fastened with blue ribbons, a little basket on her
arm, and her face glowing with pleasure and excitement.

"Now, Miss Mortimer, you said you would tell papa about my lessons
to-day."

The governess, a tall staid lady of