s, shells, sharks' teeth, and various other curiosities and
relics were spread out upon tables and shelves, ranged along the sides
and in the centre of the apartment.

"Now," she said, "the first thing is to register your names. You must
all register. You begin," handing the book to Mr. Dinsmore, "you seem to
be the oldest."

"I presume I am," he said, dryly, taking the book and doing as he was
bidden. "Now, you, Raymond," passing it on to the captain, "we'll take
it for granted that you are next in age and importance."

"That's right, captain," laughed Betty, as he silently took the book and
wrote his name, "it wouldn't be at all polite to seem to think yourself
younger than any lady present."

"Of course not, Miss Betty; will you take your turn next?"

"Of course not, sir; do you mean to insinuate that I am older than Aunt
Rose?" she asked, passing the book on to Mrs. Dinsmore.

"Don't be too particular about going according to ages," said Mrs. Mack,
"it takes up too much time."

"You may write my name for me, Ned," said Zoe, when he took the book.

"Yes, write your sister's name for her; it'll do just as well," said
Mrs. Mack.

"But I'm not his sister," said Zoe.

"What, then? is he your lover?"

"No," Edward said, laughing, "we're husband and wife."

"You've begun young," she remarked, taking the book and passing it on;
"don't look as if you'd cut your wisdom teeth yet, either of you. When
the ladies have all registered, some of you grown folks had better do it
for the children."

Having seen all their names duly inscribed in her register, "Seat
yourselves," she said, waving her hand toward some benches and chairs.

Then, with the help of a half-grown girl, she set out a small circular
table, placed a box upon it, pushed up chairs and a bench or two, and
said, "Now, as many of you as can, come and sit round this table; the
others shall have their turn afterward."

When all the places were filled, she opened the box and took from it a
number of beautifully carved articles--napkin-rings, spoons, etc.

"Now, all take your turns in looking at this lovely carved work, while I
tell you its story," she said, "the story of how it came into my
possession."

"You see, my husband was a sea-captain, and upon one occasion, when he
was about setting sail for a long voyage, a young man, or lad--he was
hardly old enough to be called a man--came and asked to be taken as one
of the crew. He gave a name, but it wa