"Then may I get up sooner in the mornings while I'm so busy?" she asked
coaxingly.

"If you find yourself unable to sleep; not otherwise. My little girl's
health is of far more importance than the making of the most beautiful
Christmas gifts," he added with a tender caress.

"And I sha'n't forget this time that papa knows best," she said in a
cheery tone, giving him a hug.

He returned it. "I think to-morrow is likely to be a pleasant day," he
said, "and if so I hope to take my wife and children to the city for
some more of the shopping you all seem to find so necessary and
delightful just now. Your Aunt Elsie and Evelyn are going too, so that
you can probably have your friend's help in selecting the articles you
wish to buy."

"Oh how delightful!" she exclaimed. "I ought to be a good girl with such
a kind father, always planning something to give me pleasure."

"You enjoy such expeditions, don't you, Lu?" queried Violet.

"Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi, and I hope papa will take me several times. I
want to select my gift for Rosie to-morrow, with Eva to help me; and I'd
like Rosie to go with me another time to help me choose one for Evelyn."

"I think I shall be able to gratify you in that; and to give you more
time for Christmas work, I will release you from the task of taking care
of your own rooms, till after the holidays, and have them attended to