ecessity."

"How about wives?" asked Violet with a twinkle of fun in her eye.

"Wives are of course not under orders," he returned gallantly, "but are
free to do as they please; but I should be loath to have mine miss her
beauty sleep."

"Then I suppose she should try to take it for your sake," laughed
Violet.

"Papa, I wish you didn't ever have to go away," sighed Grace; "we shall
miss so much the fun with the babies, and the nice talk with you while
they are being put to bed, and then the reading afterwards."

"I have not said anything about taking the babies with me, and really
have no thought of doing so; as they would not be likely to prove of
assistance in transacting my business," returned her father gravely.

At that everybody laughed and Violet said to Gracie, "So you see,
dearie, you need not despair of some fun with the babies."

"Maybe not, mamma, but it won't be just the same as when papa is with us,
and while you are away putting them to bed we'll miss papa ever so
much."

"I hope so," he said, smiling on her; "it is pleasant to feel that one's
absence is regretted. But, my dear little daughter, we can't expect to
have all our enjoyments every day."

"No, sir;" said Lulu; "and we'll miss you when Mamma Vi comes back and
you are not there to read to us."

"Of course we will," said Violet, "but though your papa is
unquestionably the finest reader among us, the rest of us can read
intelligibly, and some of us can read aloud to the others; perhaps we
may take turns."

"A very good plan," said the captain. "But, my dear, I can not endorse
that statement of yours in regard to our relative ability as readers. I
consider my wife as fine a reader as I ever listened to."

"Mamma Vi does read beautifully," remarked Max, with an affectionate,
admiring glance at her.

"I think so too," assented Lulu, adding "and if she will read to us it
will be a great favor, and I am sure will make the time pass quickly and
very pleasantly."

"No doubt," said the captain, "and I am glad you are ready to appreciate
such an effort on your mamma's part; but she may have other plans for
the evening."

Violet had intended to spend it in writing to her absent brothers, but
instantly decided to sacrifice her own wishes to those of the children.

"I am sure I shall enjoy reading to so appreciative an audience," she
said laughingly, "and feel myself highly honored in filling my husband's
place."

"Max and Lulu," said th