"They don't know you've
come."
"Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly. "Excuse me a
moment, my love. Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," and
rising hastily he left the room.
Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials for
their work, and discussing their comparative merits. So deeply interested
were they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they halted
in the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standing
there, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile.
"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into his
outstretched arms.
"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing first
one, then the other.
He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for some
minutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection.
"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in a
tone of mingled triumph and satisfaction.
"Did she doubt it?" asked the captain in surprise, and gazing searchingly
into her face.
She blushed and hung her head.
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