"I am only half grown up, as papa always says, and really I don't care a continental for that young man.

I like him quite well as a friend--he has always been very polite and kind to me since that time when he came so near cutting my fingers off with his skates--but it is absurd to think he wants to be anything more than a friend; besides papa doesn't want me to think about beaux for years to come, and I don't want to either." "I believe you, Lu," said Grace, "for you are as perfectly truthful a person as anybody could be.

Besides I know I love our father too dearly ever to want to leave him for the best man that ever lived; there couldn't be a better one than he is, or one who could have a more unselfish love for you and me." "Exactly what I think," returned Lucilla.

"But there's the call to supper.".