port, the exchange of letters between them could not, of course, be very
frequent.

Her mother, grandpa, and Grandma Rose all sympathized with her in the
grief of separation from the one who had become so dear, and exerted
themselves to cheer and comfort her.

She and her mamma were bosom companions, and had many a confidential chat
about the captain and his poor children, the desire to rescue the latter
from their tormentors and make them very happy growing in the hearts of
both.

As the captain had not enjoined secrecy upon them in regard to the letters
of Max and Lulu, and it was so much the habit of both to speak freely to
Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore--especially the former--of all that interested
themselves, it was not long before they too had heard, with deep
commiseration, the story of the unkind treatment to which Max, Lulu, and
Gracie were subjected.

"We must find a way to be of service to them," Mr. Dinsmore said. "Perhaps
by instituting inquiries among our friends and acquaintances we may hear
of some kind and capable person able and willing to take charge of them,
and to whom their father would be willing to commit them."

"I wish we could!" Elsie said with a sigh. "I think I can fully sympathize
with the poor things, for I have not forgotten how in my early childhood I
used to long and weep for the dear mamma who had gone to heaven, and my
dear papa away in Europe."

"A very poor sort of father he was then, very culpably neglectful of his
little motherless child," Mr. Dinsmore said in a remorseful tone, and
regarding her with a tenderly affectionate look.

"But afterward and to this day the very best of fathers," she responded,
smiling up at him. "Dear papa, what a debt of gratitude do I not owe to
you for all the love, care, and kindness shown by you to me and my
children!"

"I feel fully repaid by the love and obedience I receive in return," he
said, seating himself on the sofa by Vi's side and softly stroking her
hair.

"Children and grandchildren all rise up and call you blessed, dear papa,"
Elsie said, laying down the embroidery with which she had been busy, and
coming to his other side to put her arm about his neck and gaze lovingly
into his eyes.

A silent caress as he passed his arm around her waist and drew her closer
to him was his only response.

"Grandpa and mamma," said Vi, "don't you think Capt. Raymond is to be
pitied? Just think! he has neither father nor mother, brother nor sister