is to be handed in."

"But it can't be that she puts it off for story-reading, games and what
not?"

"No, sir; and I don't mean to any more. I'll put that sewing first after
what you say are more important duties, and not let myself have any play
till it's done. I think I can 'most always do it before breakfast, now
that you don't require me to sweep or dust my own rooms. I'm very much
obliged to you, papa, for saying I needn't do those things any more
while I have so many lessons."

"I want my daughters to understand all kinds of housework so that
they may be competent to direct servants, if they have them, or be
independent of them if they have not," he said; "but now that you have
learned how to sweep and dust, I do not think it necessary for you to
make use of that knowledge while your time can be better employed, and I
am able to pay a servant for doing the work."

CHAPTER XIX.

One morning at breakfast, Max asked, "Papa, have you told Lu yet?"

"No," replied the captain, "I wished her to eat her meal first in peace
and comfort; therefore I am sorry you spoke, as I see you have roused
her curiosity."

"Yes, papa; mayn't I know what you are talking about?" asked Lulu,
giving him a disturbed, rather apprehensive look. "Oh does the court
meet to-day?"

"It's been meeting for several days," returned Max, "and the trial of
our burglars comes up to-day."

"And we'll have to attend as witnesses?"

"Yes; but you needn't be alarmed; you ought to be quite used to it since
your experience in the magistrate's office," answered Max sportively.

"I don't think I'd ever get used to it, and I just wish there was some
way to keep out of it!" sighed Lulu.

"But as there isn't, my little girl will make up her mind to go through
with it bravely," the captain said, giving her an encouraging smile.

"I'll try, papa," she answered, but with a sigh that sounded rather
hopeless.

Violet and Grace both expressed their sympathy, but were sure Lulu would
do herself credit, as she had on the former occasion.

Lulu brightened a little and went on with her meal. "How soon do we have
to go papa?" she asked.

"In about half an hour after breakfast," he answered. "That will take us
to the town for the opening of to-day's session of the court. We may not
be called on for our testimony for hours, but must be at hand in case we
are wanted."

Lulu wasted no more breath in vain wishes or objections, but her usual
flow of