k when you came to me in the library a while ago. Your
father is by no means perfect, and therefore has no right to expect
perfection in his children."

"But I had indulged my temper, papa, and did deserve to be punished for
it."

"Yes, that is true. But it is all forgiven now, and your father and his
eldest daughter are at peace again," he added, giving her a loving
embrace.

"And that makes me so happy," she said, lifting her dewy eyes to his. "I
am always very far from happy when I know that my dear father is
displeased with me."

"You love him, then?"

"Oh, yes, yes, indeed! dearly! dearly!" she exclaimed, putting her arms
about his neck and laying her cheek to his.

He held her close for a moment, then saying, "Now I want you to spend an
hour over your lessons for to-morrow, after which you and I will have a
walk together," he left her.

By tea time the family were all at home again, and their talk at the
table was almost exclusively of the preparations for the approaching
wedding.

"Mamma," said Rosie at length, "I for one would dearly like to go to New
Orleans and select dress and ornaments for myself; also a present for
Betty."

"I see no objection, if a proper escort can be provided," was the
smiling rejoinder.

"Suppose we make up a party to go there, do the necessary shopping, and
visit the battle fields and everything of interest connected with them,"
suggested Captain Raymond. "We can stay a day or two if necessary, and I
think we'll all feel repaid."

The proposal was received with enthusiasm by the younger portion of the
family, and even the older ones had nothing to say against it. Lulu was
silent, but sent a very wistful, pleading look in her father's
direction. It was answered with a nod and smile, and her face grew
radiant, for she knew that meant that she would be permitted to take the
little trip with the others.

"Dear papa, thank you ever so much," she said, following him into the
library as they left the table.

"For what?" he asked jestingly, laying a hand upon her head and smiling
down into the happy, eager face.

"Giving me permission to go with you and the rest to New Orleans."

"Ah, did I do that?" he asked, sitting down and drawing her to a seat
upon his knee.

"Not in words, papa, but you looked it," she returned with a pleased
laugh, putting her arm about his neck and kissing him with ardent
affection. "Didn't you, now?"

"I don't deny that I did, yet it depends l