."

"Ah, Vi, I pity you for being a stepmother," Elsie said, with a
compassionate look at her sister.

"You needn't," returned Violet quickly.

"Lulu is the only one of the three that gives me any anxiety or trouble,
and to be Captain Raymond's wife more than compensates for that."

"I suppose so. And Gracie is a dear little thing."

"Yes, she's a darling. And Max is a noble fellow. I hope he will make just
such a man as his father. Don't you think he resembles the captain in
looks?"

"Yes, and I notice he is very chivalrous in his manner toward his young
stepmother."

"Yes," Violet said, with a happy smile, "and more or less to all ladies;
but especially those of this family. He is like his father in that. Zoe
is, I think, a particular favorite with him."

Evidently Zoe had overheard the remark, for she turned in their direction
with a bright look and smile; then springing up came quickly toward them,
and taking possession of a low chair near at hand, "Was it Max you were
talking of, Violet?" she said. "Yes, indeed, I am fond of him. I think
he's a splendid boy. But what was wrong with him to-night?"

"Nothing, so far as I know," said Violet "Why do you think there was?"

"Because he was so unusually quiet; and then his father took him away so
early. Ah, here comes the captain now," as the door opened and Captain
Raymond entered; "so I'll go away and let you have him to yourself."

"You needn't," said Violet, but Zoe was already by Edward's side again.

Elsie, too, rose and went to her mother to ask if she were not weary of
holding the babe.

Violet looked up a little anxiously into her husband's face as she made
room for him on the sofa by her side. "Is anything wrong with the
children, Levis?" she asked in an undertone.

"No, love," he said; "I took them away early that I might have a little
serious talk with the older two. You know I shall not long be afforded the
opportunity."

"But you look troubled," she said, in tenderly sympathizing accents. "May
I not share your care or sorrow, whatever it is?"

"I would rather share only joys and blessings with you, dearest, and keep
the cares and burdens to myself," he answered, smiling lovingly upon her,
and pressing with affectionate warmth the little hand she had placed in
his.

"No, I can't consent to that," she said. "I consider it one of my precious
privileges to be allowed to share your burdens and anxieties. Won't you
tell me what troubles you?"