ne, or to choose for him a book for each of his children, a doll
for each girl, and writing-desks, fully furnished, for Max and Lulu.

"I think," he added with a smile, "whatever I may give will seem to them
more valuable if sent from this distance than if bought near at hand."

"Yes," Mrs. Dinsmore said, "that is human nature."

The shoppers set out the next morning soon after breakfast, expecting to
return about the usual dinner-hour.

Watching the departure from the window near which he was seated, the
captain observed with pleasure that Violet was not of the party, hoping
that if left behind, she would give him the enjoyment of her society
during the absence of the others.

Presently she came in, bringing some needlework; Rosie and Walter with
her.

The captain closed the book he had been reading and turned toward them
with a pleased smile.

"So I am not to be left to solitude, as I feared," he remarked.

"You must please send us away, sir, whenever you think that preferable to
our company," returned Violet lightly.

"Do you deem me capable of such rudeness, Miss Travilla?" he asked with
playful look and tone.

"We will not consider it such," she answered, seating herself and
beginning her work, "since we can wander at will all over the house,
while, for the present, you, sir, are a prisoner confined to this room and
the next."

"That reminds me," he said, "that of late you have absented yourself a
great deal from this room; to my no small discontent."

"It is flattering to my vanity and self-appreciation to learn that you
have missed me," she returned sportively, but with a slightly heightened
color.

"You can never be away from the rest of us without being missed, Vi,"
remarked Rosie; "especially now that Sister Elsie is away."

"And do you not mean to gratify my curiosity as to what has been the cause
of your many and prolonged absences, Miss Violet?" queried the captain.

"I have been busy elsewhere, sir. But is it not an understood thing that
curiosity is a peculiarly feminine trait?"

"I am able to plead guiltless to the charge of ever having made such an
insinuation," said the captain; "and do now confess to having a full share
of inquisitiveness."

"May I tell, Vi?" asked Rosie.

"We must first learn whether Captain Raymond can keep a secret," Vi
answered, glancing at him with a saucy smile.

"Yes, indeed!" he said, "as you shall learn if you will but allow me the
opportunity."

"Th