"No; if my lessons are not well prepared they have to be learned over
again, that is all; and if I see that papa is displeased with me, I
assure you it is punishment enough."

"Do you think he'll let you accept my invitation?"

"I don't know, indeed, Lucy. I think he will hardly like to have me
give up my studies for that length of time, and in fact I hardly like
to do so myself."

"Oh, you must come. You can practise on my piano every day for an hour
or two, if you like. We'll learn some duets. And you can bring your
sketch-book and carry it along when we walk or ride, as we shall
every day. And we might read some improving books together,--you and
Herbert, and I. He is worse again, poor fellow! so that some days he
hardly leaves his couch even to limp across the room, and it's partly
to cheer him up that we want you to come. There's nothing puts him
into better spirits than a sight of your face."

"You don't expect other company?"

"No, except on our birthday; but then we're going to have a little
party, just of our own set,--we boys and girls that have grown up--or
are growing up--together, as one may say. Oh, yes, I want to have
Carrie Howard, Mary Leslie, and Enna stay a day or two after the
party. Now coax your papa hard, for we must have you," she added,
rising to go.

"That would be a sure way to make him say no," said Elsie, smiling;
"he never allows me to coax or tease; at least, not after he has once