ing out his watch, "We have a full half hour yet," he said. "Max, my
son, do you know of any place near at hand where oranges, bananas, cakes,
and candies are to be had?"

"Oh, yes, papa! just at the next corner."

"Then go and lay in a store for our journey," handing him some money.

"May I go too, papa?" asked Lulu, as Max set off with alacrity.

"No, stay here; I want you by my side," he said, smiling affectionately
upon her.

"I'm glad you do! O papa, I have wanted you so badly!" she exclaimed,
leaning her cheek against his arm and looking up lovingly into his face,
"and so have Max and Gracie. Haven't we, Gracie?"

"Yes, indeed!" sighed the little one. "O papa, I wish you didn't ever have
to go away and leave us!"

"I hope to stay with you longer than usual this time, and when I must go
away again to leave you in a very happy home, where no one will wish to
ill-use you," he said, with a glad look and smile directed toward his
bride.

"No one at Ion or in any house of my dear mother's will ever show them
anything but kindness and love if they are good and obedient," said Vi.
"We all obey grandpa, but we love to do it, because he is so dear and
never at all unreasonable."

"No, I am sure he is not," assented the captain, "and I shall esteem it a
great favor if he will count my darlings among his grandchildren. How
would my little Gracie like to have a dear kind grandpa and grandma?" he
asked, smoothing back the curls from the little pale face.

"Oh, ever so much, papa!" she responded with a bright and joyous smile. "I
never had any, papa, had I?"

"Not since you were old enough to remember."

Max did his errand promptly and well, returning just in time to go with
the others on board the train.

They took a parlor car and travelled with great comfort, a happy family
party, father and children rejoicing in being together again after a long
separation, Violet sympathizing in their joy and finding herself neither
forgotten nor neglected by any one of the little group of which she formed
a part.

Ever and anon her husband's eyes were turned upon her with a look of such
proud delight, such ardent affection as thrilled her heart with love, joy,
and gratitude to the Giver of all good.

Max's eyes too were full of enthusiastic admiration whenever his glance
met hers, and with boyish gallantry he watched for opportunities to wait
upon her.

Gracie regarded her with loving looks and called her mamma, as if t