“I feel just as Gracie does about it,” said Lulu. “I want to be a little girl for a while longer, then a young lady; but when I get to be fifty years old I’d like to be as nearly like Grandma Elsie as possible.” “I hope not to be,” remarked Max facetiously; “but I know a gentleman I would like to resemble so much when I’m forty, that people would say of me, ‘He’s just a chip off the old block,’” and with the last words the lad turned a proud, admiring, affectionate look upon his father. The captain’s countenance expressed pleasure, and Violet, looking pleased also, said, “I hope you will have your wish, Max, and I think there is every prospect of it.” “What plans are thought of for the coming celebration, my dear?” asked the captain. “We talk of a garden or lawn party, if the weather is fine; all the relatives to be invited, and perhaps a few intimate friends beside. Certainly our minister and his wife.” “I don’t think I could suggest anything better,” the captain said. “But you may be able to give some useful hints in regard to plans for the entertainment of the guests, and suitable gifts for mamma.” “Possibly; and you must help me to decide upon mine.” “I shall be only too glad,” she answered with a bright, pleased look. “And we children may give something nice to Grandma Elsie too, mayn’t we, papa?” they asked, all three speaking at once. “Most assuredly,” he replied, “the very nicest thing, or things, you can think of that will come within the limits of your financial ability.” “Papa,” remarked Grace doubtfully, “I don’t believe I know exactly what that means.” “You understand the meaning of ability, surely?” returned her father. “Yes, sir; but that other word—fi—” “Financial? as I used it then, it means the amount of money you children may have at your disposal at the time of making your purchases.” “Oh, I’m glad I have some money saved up!” she remarked with satisfaction. “How much?” he asked. “A good deal, papa; about five dollars, I think.” “Ah, so much as that? quite a fortune,” he said, with a look of amusement. “I suppose, wife, your mother is to be consulted in regard to the manner of the proposed celebration? about the party, the guests to be invited, and so forth?” “Oh, yes, sir; about everything but the gifts she is to receive.” The babies had had their evening romp with papa and been carried off to the nursery, Gracie going along at Elsie’s urgent request, and all the more willingly because she had heard her father say he must write a letter immediately, that it might be in time to go by the next mail, so she knew that for the present she and Max and Lulu must do without their usual bit of chat with him.