her that there was but a day left in which to do
it, if the garment were to be ready for handing in at the next meeting
of the society.

"Oh dear!" cried Lulu, "I forgot the time was so short, and how I'm ever
to finish it so soon I don't see! I'll have to take all my play time for
it."

"I wish I could help you," Gracie said, with a very sympathizing look,
"but you know papa said I mustn't do any more than my own."

"Of course not," returned Lulu emphatically; "your own is too much for
such a feeble little thing as you; and don't you worry about me, I'll
manage it somehow."

"But how can you? You have that composition to write, and two lessons to
learn to recite to papa in the morning. I should think they would take
all your afternoon except what has to be given to exercise; and it's
dinner time now."

"I'll study hard and try to get the lessons and composition all done
before dark, and then I'll sew as fast as I can all the evening while
papa is reading or talking to mamma Vi and us."

"I'm afraid it's more than you can do," returned Grace, with a doubtful
shake of the head; "and perhaps somebody may come in to interrupt us
too."

"If they do I'll just go on with the sewing, not stopping even if there
are games to be played, and I'm asked to take part."

"It's very nice in you to be so determined," commented Grace, giving her
sister an admiring affectionate look.

"It's about time I was determined to do that sewing," said Lulu,
laughing a little, "for I've put it off over and over again because I
wanted to indulge myself in playing games or reading a story."

The ringing of the dinner bell put a stop to their talk.

At the table the captain said to his wife that business called him to
the city, he must start directly the meal was over, and would not be
able to get home till late, long after the usual bedtime; but he did not
want any one to sit up for him, as he could let himself in with his
latch key.

"O papa," cried Lulu, "I'd like to sit up for you, if I may!"

"No, my child," he said with his pleasant smile, "I quite appreciate the
kind feeling that prompts that offer, but I want you to go to your bed
at the usual hour."

"Papa," observed Max insinuatingly, and with an arch look, "it wouldn't
hurt a boy to sit up and wait for his father."

"I'm not so sure of that," laughed the captain; "boys need sleep as well
as girls, and should not be deprived of their regular allowance, when
there is no n