“I know you are, daughter; but you have been very good of late.  I have rejoiced to see that you were really trying to rule your own spirit.  So far as I know, you have been entirely and cheerfully obedient to me, and have not indulged in a single fit of passion or sullenness.”

“Yes, papa; but I have been nearly in a passion two or three times; but you gave me a look just in time to help me to resist it.  But when you are gone I shall not have that help.”

“Then, my child, you must remember that your heavenly Father is looking at you; that He bids you fight against the evil of your nature, and if you seek it of Him, will give you strength to overcome.  Here is a text for you; I want you to remember it constantly; and to that end repeat it often to yourself, ‘Thou, God, seest me.’

“And do not forget that He sees not only the outward conduct but the inmost thoughts and feelings of the heart.”

A boy’s glad shout and merry whistle mingled pleasantly with the sound of the dashing of the waves, and Max came bounding over the sands toward their sheltered nook.

“Good-morning, papa,” he cried.  “You too, Lulu.  Ahead of me as usual, I see!”

“Yes,” the captain said, reaching out a hand to grasp the lad’s and gazing with fatherly affection and pride into the handsome young face glowing with health and happiness, “she is the earliest young bird in the family nest.  However, she seeks her roost earlier than her brother does his.”

“Yes; and I am not so very late, am I, sir?”

“No, my boy, I do not suppose you have taken any more sleep than you need for your health and growth; and I certainly would not have you do with less.”

“I know you wouldn’t, papa; such a good, kind father as you are,” responded Max.  “I wouldn’t swap fathers with any other boy,” he added, with a look of mingled fun and affection.

“Nor would I exchange my son for any other; not even a better one,” returned the captain laughingly, tightening his clasp of the sturdy brown hand he held.

“I haven’t heard yet the story of yesterday’s success in boating and fishing; come sit down here by my side and let me have it.”

Max obeyed, nothing loath, for he was becoming quite expert in both, and always found in his father an interested listener to the story of his exploits.

He and the other lads had returned from their camping at the time of the removal of the family party from ’Sconset to Nantucket Town.

On the conclusion of his narrative the captain pronounced it breakfast time, and they returned to the house.

After breakfast, as nearly the whole party were gathered upon the porch, discussing the question what should be the amusements of the day, a near neighbor with whom they had some acquaintance, ran in to ask if they would join a company who were going over to Shimmo to have a clam-bake.

“The name of the place is new to me,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore.  “Is it a town, Mrs. Atwood?”