d not indulge in repining or lose the enjoyment of the present
in vexing thoughts concerning the probable trials of the future.

It was necessary, however, to give it some consideration, and make
arrangements in regard to his children.

Thinking of the guidance and control they all needed, the temper and
stubbornness Lulu had shown, the watchful care requisite for Gracie in her
feeble state, he hesitated to ask Mrs. Dinsmore and Elsie if they still
felt inclined to undertake the charge of them.

But to his great relief and gratitude, those kind friends did not wait for
him to broach the subject, but renewed their offer, saying they had
become much attached to the children, and desired more than ever to give
them a happy home with themselves; upon the conditions formerly stated,
namely, that he would delegate his authority to them during his absence,
and give the children distinctly to understand that he had done so.

These conditions the captain gladly accepted. He told the children all
about the arrangement he had made for them, and in the presence of the
whole family, bade them obey Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, Grandma Elsie and
Mamma Vi as they would himself.

"One master and three mistresses!" Edward remarked lightly; "are you not
imposing rather hard conditions, Captain?"

"No, I think not, Ned, for I am satisfied that their commands will never
conflict; but should they do so, Mr. Dinsmore, as patriarch of the whole
tribe, is of course the highest authority."

It had been decided that Harold and Herbert should now enter college. The
others, on being left by the captain, would all return to Ion and spend
the winter there or at Viamede. Edward would take charge of the Ion
plantation, his grandfather giving him some slight supervision at the
start.

This arrangement would leave Mr. Dinsmore almost without employment, and,
as he liked to be busy, he said he would gladly act the part of tutor to
Max, and also hear some of the recitations of Rosie and Lulu. Grandma
Elsie and Mamma Vi would for the present undertake the rest of the work of
educating the girls and little Walter.

Their plans settled, they gave themselves up to quiet enjoyment of each
other's society while Capt. Raymond waited for orders.

Early in October there came a great and joyful surprise. A train had
steamed into the neighboring depot a few moments before, but as they were
not looking for any addition to their party, no one had taken particular