lma, and the servants cannot
fail to be delighted with the gifts we have for them. And papa has been so
very generous in supplying Grace and me with money. I hope Max will be
pleased with all we bought for him. Poor, dear fellow! It is just a shame
he couldn't have been allowed to come here with us."

"Yes, I regret it very much," said Violet. "It has been one great drawback
upon our pleasure. O Lu, do look at Cousin Annis! She seems to have grown
ten years younger with happiness. I am so glad for her, and that we are to
have her for a near neighbor."

"I too; but judging from Mr. Lilburn's looks I should say he is gladder
than anybody else. Oh, I wish they would get married at once! Wouldn't it
be fun, Mamma Vi, to have a wedding here on the yacht?"

"Yes, indeed! Here comes your father," as the captain rose and came toward
them; "we will suggest it to him and see what he thinks of the idea," she
added, making room for him at her side.

"Thank you, my dear," he said, taking the offered seat. "You two seem to
have found some very interesting topic of conversation. May I ask what it
is?"

"We are ready to let you into the secret without waiting to be
questioned," returned Violet. "We have been planning to have a wedding on
board, should you and the parties more particularly interested give
consent."

"And who may they be?" he asked lightly. "Not that couple, I hope,"
glancing in the direction of Croly and his lady-love. "Rosie is, in my
opinion, rather young to assume the cares and duties of married life."

"As you said before, quite forgetting how you coaxed and persuaded a still
younger girl to undertake them--under your supervision," laughed Violet.
"Ah, Captain Raymond, have you forgotten that consistency is a jewel?"

"Ah, my dear, have you forgotten that circumstances alter cases?" he
returned in sportive tone. "But allow me to remind you that you have not
yet answered my question."

"But I do now; it is the older couple of lovers Lu and I are benevolently
inclined to assist into the bonds of matrimony."

"Ah! Well, I am pleased with the idea, and have no doubt that it will be
an easy matter to secure the gentleman's consent; as regards that of the
lady I am somewhat doubtful."

"I presume," said Violet, "she will veto it at first; that is only
natural; but we may succeed in coaxing her into it."

"I should think that if they are going to get married the sooner the
better," observed Lucilla gravely.