“Tired, Gracie, my pet?” he asked, coming forward and stooping to scan the small pale face in loving solicitude.

“Only a little, dear papa,” she answered, with a patient smile up into his face.  “I think I shall be quite rested by to-morrow morning, and I’m so glad we’re at home again.”

“Yes; and just now the best place in it for my weary little girl is her bed.  Lulu and I will get you there as soon as we can.”

“Mustn’t I stay up for prayers?”

“No, darling, you are too tired and sleepy to get any good from the service.  I see your eyes can hardly keep themselves open.”

“I believe they can’t, and I shall be so glad to go right to my nice bed,” she returned sleepily, pushing the kitten gently from her.

So she was lifted to her father’s knee and Lulu sent for her night dress.

In a few minutes she was resting peacefully in her bed, while the captain and Lulu went down hand in hand to the library, where they found Max sitting alone, reading.

He closed his book as they entered, rose and wheeled an easy chair nearer the fire for his father, who took it with a pleasant “Thank you, my son,” and drew Lulu to a seat upon his knee.  “What were you reading, Max?” he asked.

“‘Story of United States Navy for Boys,’” answered the lad.  “Papa would you be willing for me to go into the navy?”

“If you have a strong inclination for the life, my boy, I shall throw no obstacle in your way.”

“Thank you, sir; I sometimes think I should like it, yet I’m not quite sure I’d rather be there than anywhere else.”

“You must be quite sure of your inclination before we move in the matter,” returned his father.

“Is there something you would prefer for me, papa?” asked Max.

“If I were quite sure you were called of God to the work, I should rather see you a preacher of the gospel, an ambassador for Christ, than anything else.  Yet if you lack the talent, or consecration, you would better be out of the ministry than in it.”

“I’m glad I’m not a boy and don’t have to go away from home and papa,” Lulu said, nestling closer in her father’s arms.

“Home’s a delightful place and nobody loves to be with papa more than I do,” said Max, “but for all that I’m glad I’m going to be a man and able to do a man’s work in the world.”

“And I,” said the captain, “am glad that God has given me both sons and daughters, and that you two are satisfied to be what God has made you.”

For some moments no one spoke again, then Lulu remarked thoughtfully, “This is the last Saturday, and to-morrow will be the last Sunday of the old year.  Papa, do you remember the talk we had together a year ago?”

“On the last Sunday of that year? yes, daughter, quite well.  And now it is time for another retrospect, and fresh resolutions to try to live better, by the help of Him who is the Strength of His people, their Shield and Helper.”