ir seats
about the table.

"Yes," said her father, "but considering how much our absentees are
probably enjoying themselves, we won't mind that for a few days."

"Indeed," said Lucilla, "though I shall be glad to see them come back,
I think it is really quite delightful to have papa all to ourselves
for a few days."

"And for papa to have these young girls all to himself, eh?" laughed
the captain. "Well, I won't deny it; and I fully expect the girls to
make their companionship quite delightful to me."

"I think we will all do our best in that line," said Evelyn. "It would
be strange indeed if we didn't, when you are so very good and kind to
us."

"No better, I think, than almost any other gentleman would be in my
place," he returned pleasantly. "Now let me help you to some of this
fowl. I hope to see you all do full justice to what is set before
you."

"If we don't, it will not be the fault of the fare, I am sure," said
Evelyn. "Judging by the meals I have taken on board of this vessel,
she must have both a good caterer and an excellent cook."

"We have both," said Lucilla emphatically.

"Yes," said Grace. "I wish we could share this dinner with our dear
folks who left us a while ago; though perhaps they are getting just as
good a meal at Pleasant Plains."

"Yes," said her father, "if all has gone well with them and their
train, they are there by this time; and, from what I have heard of the
housekeeping of the relatives there, I presume they have been, or will
be, set down to as good a meal as this."

"Oh, yes, of course," said Grace; "and that was a very foolish wish of
mine. Papa, how shall we spend this evening?"

"I leave that to the decision of my daughters and their guest," he
replied. "I shall be happy to do my best to entertain you in any way
that may suit your inclinations."

"What may be yours, Eva? Please tell us," said Lucilla.

"I hardly know what to choose," said Evelyn. "Several delightful ways
of passing the time have been already spoken of, and I should enjoy
any one of them. I hope you will give us some of your music; and if
the captain feels inclined to spin us one of his sailor yarns, that
would be enjoyable; and I presume a promenade on the deck would be
good exercise, helping us to sleep well afterward."

"A very good programme," remarked the captain as she concluded. "I
think we will carry it out."

They did so, and, when about to separate for the night, agreed it had
been a