e captain, "don't forget the tasks set for this
afternoon; you can easily accomplish them before tea and have an hour or
more for exercise beside."

Both replied with a promise not to forget or neglect his requirements,
and immediately upon bidding her father good-bye and seeing him out of
sight, Lulu went to her room and applied herself to the study of her
lessons first, then to the writing of her composition.

She did her work hurriedly, however, with the thought of the sewing for
which she now had so little time, ever present with her; consequently
the lessons took small hold upon her memory and the remaining task was
very indifferently performed.

She was in the act of wiping her pen when Max called to her and Grace
that the ponies were at the door and they three and Mamma Vi were to
have a ride together.

"Oh how nice!" cried both little girls, and hastened to don riding hats
and habits.

They had grown exceedingly fond of their young step-mother; and as she
did not very often find it convenient to share their rides, to have her
do so was considered quite a treat.

On their return Lulu, hardly waiting to remove her out door garments and
make herself presentable for the evening, went at the sewing with all
the activity and determination of her very energetic nature.

"It's got to be done if I have to work like a steam engine!" she
exclaimed to Grace, thrusting in and drawing out her needle with a
rapidity that surprised her little sister.

"I never saw you sew so fast, Lu," she said. "I couldn't do it; I'd have
to take more time to be sure my stitches were nice and even."

"Oh it's for poor folks and so it's strong, it won't make much difference
about the looks," returned Lulu, working away at the same headlong
pace.

"But Grandma Elsie is particular about the stitches," said Grace; "don't
you remember she told us she was, for our own sakes more than the poor
folks'; because it would be a sad thing for us to fall into slovenly
habits of working?"

"Yes, I do remember now you speak of it; and I'll try to make the work
neat as well as to do it fast."

Lulu worked on not allowing herself a moment's rest or relaxation, till
the tea bell rang.

Violet invited them all to spend the evening in her boudoir.

Lulu carried her sewing there directly after leaving the table, and
Violet more than once spoke admiringly of the diligence and energy she
displayed in working steadily on till it was time for them to