"Excuse me a moment, my love.

Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," and rising hastily he left the room.
Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials for their work, and discussing their comparative merits.

So deeply interested were they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they halted in the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standing there, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile.
"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into his outstretched arms.
"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing first one, then the other.
He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for some minutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection.
"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in a tone of mingled triumph and satisfaction.
"Did she doubt it ?" asked the captain in surprise, and gazing searchingly into her face.
She blushed and hung her head.
"She thought the new baby would steal all your love," said Max.
"Silly child!" said her father, drawing her closer and giving her another kiss.

"Do you think my heart is so small that it can hold love enough for but a limited number?
Did I love Max less when you came?
or you less when our Heavenly Father gave Gracie to us?
No, daughter; I can love the newcomer without any abatement of my affection for you." "Papa, I'm sorry I said it.

I won't talk so any more; and I mean to love the baby very much," she murmured with her arm about his neck, her cheek laid to his.
"I hope so," he said; "it would give me a very sad heart to know that you did not love your little sister.
"Well, Max, my son, what is it ?" The boy was hanging his head and his face had suddenly grown scarlet, "Papa, I--I--Did you get my letter and diary I sent you last month ?" "Yes; and Lulu's also," the captain said, with a sigh and a glance from one to the other, his face growing very grave.