“Then I shall try not to be anxious,” she said; “but it seems like a month since I parted from Ned, and it’s a sore disappointment not to see him to-night.  I don’t know how Vi stands your long absences, captain.”

“Don’t you suppose it’s about as hard for me as for her, considering how charming she is?” he asked, lightly.

“Perhaps it is; but men don’t live in their affections as women do; love is only half the world to the most loving of them, I verily believe, while it’s all the world to us.”

“There is some truth in that,” he acknowledged; “we men are compelled to give much time and thought to business, yet many of us are ardent lovers or affectionate husbands.  I, for one, am extremely fond of wife and children.”

“Yes, I am sure of it, and quite as sure that Ned is very fond of me.”

“There isn’t a doubt of it.  I think I have never seen a happier couple than you seem to be, or than Leland and his Elsie; yet Violet and I will not yield the palm to either of you.”

“And was there ever such a mother-in-law as mamma?” said Zoe.  “I don’t remember my own mother very distinctly, but I do not believe I could have loved her much better than I do Edward’s mother.”

“Words would fail me in an attempt to describe all her excellences,” he responded.  “Well, Lulu, what is it?” as the child came running toward them.

“Tea is ready, papa, and Grandma Rose says ‘please come to it.’”

Shortly after leaving the table, the captain, noticing that Zoe seemed anxious and sad, offered to go into the town and inquire if anything had been seen or heard of the Edna.

“Oh, thank you,” she said, brightening; “but won’t you take me along?”

“Certainly, if you think you will not find the walk too long and fatiguing.”

“Not a bit,” she returned, hastily donning hat and shawl.

“Have you any objection to my company, Levis?” Violet asked, with sportive look and tone.

“My love, I shall be delighted, if you feel equal to the exertion,” he answered, with a look of pleasure that said more than the words.

“Quite,” she said.  “Max, I know you like to wait on me; will you please bring my hat and shawl from the bedroom there?”

“Yes, indeed, with pleasure, Mamma Vi,” the boy answered, with alacrity, as he hastened to obey.

“Three won’t make as agreeable a number for travelling the sidewalks as four, and I ought to be looking out for Bob,” remarked Betty; “so if anybody will ask me to go along perhaps I may consent.”

“Yes, do come,” said Zoe.  “I’ll take you for my escort.”

“And we will walk decorously behind the captain and Vi, feeling no fear because under the protection of his wing,” added the lively Betty.  “But do you think, sir, you have the strength and ability to protect three helpless females?” she asked, suddenly wheeling round upon him.

“I have not a doubt I can render them all the aid and protection they are at all likely to need in this peaceful, law-abiding community,” he answered, with becoming gravity, as he gave his arm to his wife, and led the way from the house.