"Not any yet, papa," answered Max.

"Then it must be attended to at once by both of you."

"O papa, let me keep on at this just a little longer," pleaded Lulu.

"No, daughter, not another minute; these winter days are short; the sun
will Boon set, and outdoor exercise will not do you half so much good
after sundown as before. Put on your hats and coats and we will have a
brisk walk together. The roads are quite dry now and I think we will
find it enjoyable."

The cloud that had begun to gather on Lulu's brow at the refusal of her
request, vanished with the words of invitation to walk with papa, for to
do so, was one of her dear delights.

Both she and Max obeyed the order with cheerful alacrity, and presently
the three sallied forth together to return in time for tea, in good
spirits and with fine appetites for their meal; the children rosy and
merry.

Violet was teaching Lulu to crochet, and the little girl had become much
interested in her work. When the hour for bedtime came she did not want
to give it up, and like Rosie begged for permission to stay up for
another hour.

"No, dear child," her father said, "it is quite important that little
ones like you should keep to regular hours, early hours too, for going
to rest."