children, that he had long before he ever saw Mamma Vi; and it's just
too bad."

Knowing Lulu as he did, her father instantly conjectured what was
passing in her mind. It grieved and angered him, yet strong affection
was mingled with his displeasure, and he silently asked help of God to
deal wisely with this child of his love.

He remembered that Lulu was more easily ruled through her affections
than in any other way, and as she turned toward him, with a flushed and
shamefaced countenance, he went to her, took her in his arms, held her
close to his heart, and kissed her tenderly several times.

"My dear, dear little daughter," he said. "How often, when far away on
the sea, I have longed to do this--to hold my dear Lulu in my arms and
feel hers about my neck and her sweet kisses on my lips."

Her arms were instantly thrown round his neck, while she returned his
kisses with interest.

"Papa," she said, "I do love you so, _so_ dearly; but I 'most wonder you
don't quit loving such a hateful girl as I am."

"Perhaps I might not love an ill-tempered, jealous child belonging to
somebody else," he said, as if half in jest, half in earnest; "but you
are my own," drawing her closer and repeating his caresses, "my very
own; and so I have to love you in spite of everything. But, my little
girl," and his tone grew very grave and sad, "if you do not fight
determinately against these wrong feelings you will never know rest or
happiness in this world or the next.