_Dolphin's_ deck, reading, heard a light footstep
approaching, then a sweet-toned voice saying, "Good-morning, my dear
father," and, looking up, found Lucilla standing at his knee, her
bright eyes gazing lovingly down into his.

"Good-morning, daughter," he returned, taking her hand and drawing her
down to a seat by his side, then passing an arm about her waist and
giving her the accustomed morning caress. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, indeed, papa; from the minute I laid my head upon the pillow
till I woke to find it broad daylight."

"I am glad to hear it. It is something that both you and I should be
very thankful for."

"And you, papa? did you sleep well?"

"Very; as I hope and believe all on board did. I suppose you left
Grace still asleep?"

"Yes, sir; sleeping so sweetly that I took particular pains to move
quietly and not wake her."

"That was right," he said. "I want her--my feeble little girl--to take
all the sleep she can."

"So do I, father; and I think she has gained a good deal in health and
strength since she has had you at home almost all the time to take
care of her."

"That's what fathers are for--to take care of the children," he
returned with a smile.

"Well, daughter, what would you like to do to-day?"

"Whatever my father bids me," she said with a happy laugh.

"Ah! isn't that a rash choice?" he asked, passing his hand caressingly
over her hair and smiling down at her as he spoke.

"No, sir; I think not--considering how wise, kind, and loving my
father is."

"What would you think of a trip up to Kingston--to view it as one of
the scenes of Revolutionary occurrences?"

"Oh, I should like it very much!" she exclaimed with eager delight.
"Do you think of going there to-day, papa?"

"I have been thinking it would answer very well as a sequel to our
Saturday's visit to Washington's old quarters at Newburgh. We will
make the suggestion at the breakfast table, and see what the rest of
our company think of it."

"Oh, I don't believe anyone will think of objecting. I shall be
astonished if they do."

"But there are other places some may prefer visiting first, and it
will be only polite and kind to let each one express his or her
preference."

"And the majority decide, I suppose?"

"That is my idea," he said pleasantly.

"Your ideas are always kind ones, father dear," she responded with a
loving look up into his eyes.

"Though occasionally not altogether agreeable to my eldest d