e it's not my birthday," came the answer; "count them, father."

The thoughtful tribute touched him, and a look of sadness crept in his
face. "I had forgotten how old I was," he said.

Liddy made no reply until she had poured his tea, and then she said, in
her earnest way: "Now, father, I don't want you to think of that any
more, or anything else that is past and gone. Please think how hard I
worked all the afternoon to fix the table and how much I want to make
you happy."

When it came time to retire, he said: "You haven't told me yet what that
big favor is, Liddy!"

For answer she went to him and taking his face in her hands, she kissed
him on either cheek and whispered: "Wait till to-morrow!"

CHAPTER XVIII.

A FEW BRIGHT DAYS.

The next evening after supper Liddy showed unusual cheerfulness. She had
that day received three letters from the absent one, though of different
dates, and all contained assuring words. Then she had a little plan of
loving intent mapped out in her mind and was eager to carry it out. Her
father noticed her unusual mood and said: "It seems good to see you
smile once more, Liddy."

"I am trying hard to feel happy," she answered, "and harder still to
make you feel so as well." And then, drawing her chair close to him, she
sat down and rested her face against his shoulder. It was one of her odd
ways, and it must be now stated that when this winsome girl most
earnestly desired to reach her father's heart, she always stroked his
shoulder with her face.

"Well," he said, recognizing her method, "I know you have something on
your mind; so tell me what it is right away!"

She made no immediate reply, but softly stroked him for a moment and
then replied: "Yes, I do want something; I want a clock!" and then,
straightening herself up, she continued earnestly: "I want a lot of
things; I want a pretty clock to put on the mantel, and I want you to
put the tall one up into the attic, for it gives me the blues; and say,
father"---- and here again her face went to his shoulder, "I want a
piano!"

"Is that all?" he answered, a droll smile creeping into his face.

"No," she said, "that isn't all; but it's all I dare ask for now."

"Better tell me the rest," he replied, stroking the head that still
rested against his arm. "You haven't surprised me yet."

And then there was a very pretty scene, for the next instant that
blue-eyed heart-breaker was sitting in her father's lap, with both arm