hat he was full
of joy on learning that every one of the family was on board the
_Dolphin_.

No one cared to tarry long at Annapolis, and they set out on the return
trip as soon as Max was free to go with them.

The lovely weather continued, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the
short voyage, the drive and ride that succeeded it--for the carriages and
Max's pony, Rex, which he hailed with almost a shout of delight and
hastened to mount, were found awaiting them at the wharf--or the arrival
at their homes, Ion and Woodburn, which seemed to the young cadet to be
looking even more beautiful than ever before.

"Oh, was there ever a lovelier place!" was his delighted exclamation as
the carriage, closely followed by Rex, turned in at the great gates giving
admission to the Woodburn driveway. "I thought that of it before I left,
but it is vastly improved; almost an earthly paradise."

"So I think," said Violet. "It does credit to your father's taste."

"And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not
always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what
I thought would be an improvement? And has not the first suggestion come
from her more than once?"

"Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in
fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible
way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion."

"Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out?" he queried,
with playful look and tone.

"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity
to spoil so good a husband."

"Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting?" asked Max's voice
in eager tones, just at that moment.

"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly. "But suppose you
delay a little and let some of us accompany you?"

"Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and
in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood
ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight.

"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here,
father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door.

"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet. "Perhaps you might as
well go over it before visiting the grounds."

"I am at liberty to go everywhere, as of old?" he returned, half in
assertion, half enquiringly and turning from her to his father.

"Ce