“Mamma,” said Harold earnestly, “we do both feel it a great and blessed privilege to be permitted to be co-workers with God for the advancement of his cause and kingdom.”

With that the conversation turned upon other themes, but presently the boys kissed the dear mother good night and withdrew lest they should rob her of needed rest.

CHAPTER X.

“Home again, and it’s nice to get home!” exclaimed Lulu, skipping up the steps of the veranda and across into the wide hall where all was light and warmth and beauty.

Violet and Grace had preceded her and her father was following with little Elsie in his arms.

“I am glad to hear you say that; glad my daughter appreciates her home,” he said in a cheery tone.

“I’d be a queer girl, papa, if I didn’t appreciate such a home as this is,” she returned with warmth, and smiling up into his face.  “Don’t you say so, Max?” catching sight of her brother who, riding his pony, had arrived some minutes ahead of the carriage and was now petting and fondling his dog at the farther end of the hall.

“Yes, indeed!” he answered; “I think if we weren’t happy and contented in this home we oughtn’t to have any at all.  Papa, Prince is a splendid fellow!” stroking and patting the dog’s head as he spoke.

“So I think,” said the captain.

“And I too,” said Violet; “he is a very acceptable addition to the family.  My dear, home does look exceedingly attractive to me, as well as to the children.  But little Elsie’s eyes are closing; mamma must see her babies to bed.”

“I wonder where my pussy is?” Grace was saying, from the library door.  “I thought she’d be lying on the rug before the fire here, like she was the other night; but she isn’t.”

“Oh, and my Polly!” cried Lulu.  “Is she in there?”

“I will carry Elsie to the nursery, my love,” said the captain.  “Lulu and Gracie, you may perhaps find your pets in your own little sitting room.”

“Oh yes!” they cried in chorus, and started up the stairs after their father and Violet.

Outside the night was cold, but within the house the atmosphere was that of summer; doors stood open, and in the halls, and the rooms used by the family, lights were burning; also the air was sweet and fragrant with a faint odor of roses, heliotrope and mignonette, coming from the conservatory and from vases of cut flowers placed here and there; all the result of Capt.  Raymond’s kind forethought for the comfort and pleasure of wife and children, and the careful carrying out of his orders by the faithful housekeeper Christine.

No wonder home looked so attractive to its returning occupants, even coming from a former one quite as beautiful and luxurious.

“Oh how sweet it does look here!” exclaimed both the little girls as they entered their little sitting-room.

“Oh! and there is my pussy lying on the rug all curled up like a soft round ball!” added Grace.  “You are having a nice nap, pretty kitty, and I don’t mean to wake you, but I must pet you just a little bit,” dropping down beside her, and gently stroking the soft fur.