about fifty, whose face betokened
that her mind was full of grammars and dictionaries, smiled a little,
and answered, "I have been informing your father of the marked
improvement which you have lately made in your studies."

"Yes, Lily, I have heard all about it," said Mr. Smith, looking down
fondly into the bright little face that was raised to his. "And I have
been telling Miss Mortimer of a treat that I have in store for you."

"What is it, papa?" she cried eagerly.

"Oh, I am not going to tell you, until we get to your favourite seat
among the rocks."

"Then don't let us lose another minute, papa," said Lilian, and they set
off.

Away over the breezy hill-side which overhung the sea; away through the
furze, the gorse, and the large brake-ferns; away until they had left
the pretty villa far behind them, and found themselves in the small
sheltered bay where Mr. Smith's boat, the _White Lily_, was moored.

"It is very calm, may we go out for a little way, papa?"

"Yes, dear," said the artist, as he unfastened the padlock which moored
the boat. Then he placed Lilian in the stern, and sprung in himself,
taking the oars, and pushing away from the strand.

The setting sun shed a flood of glory over the quiet bay, with its
brilliantly coloured rocks, and its shore covered with white pebbles,
and fell upon the little boat that danced over the rippling sea,
lingering lovingly on the beautiful face of the artist's child as she
bent forward to claim the promised secret.

"Now, papa, what is the treat?"

"Well, Lily, you know I have told you about Raymond and Madge."

"Yes, papa; and I was going to have asked how Raymond was, and whether
he liked the fruit I sent him, only the thought of the treat put it all
out of my head."

"He is much better, darling. And what would you say if you were soon to
see him?"

"Oh, papa!"

[Illustration: A BEAUTIFUL SCENE.]

"I have asked Madge and him to come here, that he may recover his
strength; and I have come on to make all preparations. They will be here
to-morrow."

"Oh, joy, joy!" cried Lilian. "Mayn't I have a whole holiday, papa?"

"Yes, to-morrow you shall; and after that Madge shall do her lessons
with you."

"And Raymond too, papa?"

"No, darling. Raymond will do his lessons with me."

"Shall you teach him to paint beautiful pictures as you do, papa?"

"Yes, I hope so," replied the artist, smiling.

Lilian drew a long-sigh of contentment.

"I do wish it