"Yes," she said, reflectively; "she had no father, and it was you she
married, you who know so well how to take care of both her and your
daughters."

At that her father merely smiled again and patted her cheek, saying. "I am
glad you are so well content with my guardianship."

He did not think it necessary to tell her of a talk with Violet the night
before, in which he had expressed his determination to keep his daughters
single for some years to come,--certainly not less than five or six,--and
his fear that Chester and one or two others had already begun to perceive
their charms, and might succeed all too soon in winning their affections;
in reply to which Violet had, with a very mirthful look, reminded him how
young she herself was at the time of their marriage, and that he did not
seem to think it at all necessary to wait for her to grow older.

In answer to that he had laughingly insisted that she was far more mature
than his daughters bid fair to be at the same age; adding that besides he
certainly ought to have gained something in wisdom in the years which had
passed since their marriage.

"Ah," said Violet giving him a look of ardent affection, "after all I am
glad you had not attained to all that wisdom some years earlier, my dear
husband, for my life with you has been such a happy, happy one. Your dear
love is my greatest earthly treasure, our little son and daughter scarcely
less a joy of heart to me."

"To me also," he said, drawing her into his arms and giving her tenderest
caresses, "yet not quite so dear as their mother; for you, my love, have
the very first place in my heart."