"But that he knows he cannot have for some time," her father said, taking in his the one resting on the arm of his chair. "This belongs to me at present and it is my fixed purpose to hold it in possession for at least some months to come." "Yes, sir; I know that and highly approve of your intention. Please never give up your claim to your eldest daughter so long as we both live." "No, daughter, nothing is further from my thoughts," he said with a smile that was full of affection. "What do you want from Santa Claus, papa?" she asked. "Really, I have not considered that question," he laughed; "but anything my daughters choose to give me will be highly appreciated." "It is pleasant to know that, father dear; and now please tell me what you think would be advisable to get for Mamma Vi, Elsie, and Ned." That question was under discussion for some time, and the conclusion was arrived at that it could not be decided until their visit to the city stores to see what might be offered there. Then Grace joined them, exchanged greetings and caresses with her father, and as the call to breakfast came at that moment, the three went down together, meeting Violet and the younger children on the way. They were a cheerful party, all at the table seeming to enjoy their meal and chatting pleasantly as they ate. Much of their talk was of the approaching Christmas and what gifts would be appropriate for different ones and likely to prove acceptable. "Can't we send presents to brother Max, papa?" asked Ned. "Hardly, I think," was the reply, "but we can give him some when he comes home next month." "And he'll miss all the good times the rest of us have. It's just too bad!" replied Ned. "We will try to have some more good times when he is with us," said the captain cheerily. "Oh, so we can!" was Neddie's glad response. The captain and the young people spent the morning in the schoolroom as usual. In the afternoon Dr. Conly called. "I came in principally on your account, Lu," he said, when greetings had been exchanged. "Chester has taken a rather severe cold so that I, as his physician, have ordered him to keep within doors for the present; which he deeply regrets because it cuts him off from his daily visits here." "Oh, is he very ill?" she asked, vainly trying to make her tones quite calm and indifferent. "Oh, no! only in danger of becoming so unless he takes good care of himself." "And you will see to it that he does so, Cousin Arthur?" Violet said in a sprightly, half-inquiring tone. "Yes; so far as I can," returned the doctor, with a slight smile. "My patients, unfortunately, are not always careful to obey orders." "When they don't the doctor cannot be justly blamed for any failure to recover," remarked the captain. "But I trust Chester will show himself docile and obedient." "Which I dare say he will if Lu sides strongly with the doctor," Grace remarked, giving Lucilla an arch look and smile.