t we
have, is only lent to us by our heavenly Father; and it is our duty to
set aside a certain portion for giving to his cause."

"How much, papa?" asked Max.

"People have different ideas about that," was the reply. "In
Old-Testament times, the rule was one-tenth of all; and I think most
people should not give less now: many are able to give a great deal
more. I hope each of you will be glad to give as much as that."

He opened Lulu's Bible, lying on the table, and read aloud, "'He who
soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he who soweth
bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he
purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.'"

"I'll give a tenth of all," said Lulu. "I mean to buy a little purse on
purpose to keep my tenth in, and I'll put two of these dimes in it. That
will be the tenth of the two dollars you've given me, won't it, papa?"

"Yes," he said.

"And I'll do the same," said Max.

"I too," added Gracie.

"It is just what my papa taught me to do," remarked Evelyn modestly.

"Would you children all like to take a drive with me this afternoon?"
asked the captain.

There was a simultaneous and joyful assent from his own three: then
Evelyn said, "Thank you, sir. I should like it extremely, if I can get
permission. Aunt Elsie expects me home to dinner; but I will go now to
the telephone, and ask if I may stay and accept your invitation."

"And while you are doing that, I will go to my wife, and try to persuade
her to join our party," the captain said, leaving the room.

Evelyn had no difficulty in gaining permission to stay at Ion for the
rest of the day, or go anywhere Capt. Raymond might propose to take her;
and he found but little difficulty in persuading Violet to accompany him
in a drive that would take her from her baby for an hour or two, the
little one being so much better that she did not fear to leave it in
charge of her mother and the nurse, thinking it might die before her
return.

"The carriage will be at the door in ten or fifteen minutes after we
leave the dinner-table," the captain told them all; and each one
promised to be ready to start at once.

The children all came down the stairs and out upon the veranda together,
and only a little in advance of the captain and Violet.

There was a simultaneous exclamation of surprise as they saw, not the
Ion family carriage, but a new and very