“Yes, were dangerously ill for a time, and though about again, still need constant care lest they should take cold.”

The guests given adjoining rooms, opened the door of communication between and had a little private chat together before seeking their pillows.

“These relatives of yours, Keith, are extremely nice people,” remarked the captain.

“Of course they are,” returned Donald, “relatives to be proud of.”

“I never saw a more beautiful woman than Mrs. Travilla,” pursued the captain.  “I think I may say never one so beautiful; and the most charming part of it is beauty that will last; beauty of heart and intellect.  Can she be Miss Violet’s own mother?  There is a resemblance, though their styles of beauty are quite different, but there does not seem to be sufficient difference in age.”

“She is own mother, though, and not only to Violet, but to two older ones—­a son and daughter.”

The captain expressed great surprise.  “But youthful looks must be a family characteristic,” he added meditatively.  “Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore look extremely young to be the grandparents of the family.”

Donald explained that Mr. Dinsmore was really only eighteen years older than his daughter, and Rose, a second wife, but half as many.

“And what think you of Violet’s beauty?” he asked.

“Absolutely faultless!  She has an angelic face!  If I were a young fellow like you, Keith, I’d certainly not look elsewhere while I could see a ray of hope in that direction.  But there’s the relationship in the way.”

“It’s too distant to stand in the way,” returned Donald a trifle shortly, “I look upon her prospective wealth as a far greater obstacle, having no fancy for playing the role of fortune-hunter, or laying myself open to the suspicion of being such.”

“Then you’ve no intention of trying for her?”

“I haven’t said so, have I?  Well, good-night, it’s getting late.”

“What do you think of Captain Raymond?” Rose was asking her husband.  “You have had by far the best opportunity to cultivate his acquaintance.”

“He impresses me very favorably as both a man and a Christian,” was the emphatic reply.

“Ah!  I am glad Donald has so nice a friend,” was her pleased comment.

“Yes, there seems a warm friendship existing between them, though the captain must be the older by several years.  Married too, for he mentioned his children incidentally.”

On coming down to the parlor the next morning the guests found Mr. Dinsmore there fondling his little grandchildren—­Rosie on one knee, Walter on the other.

Cousin Donald’s entrance was hailed with delight, Walter presently transferred to his knee.

Then the captain coaxed Rosie to his, saying, “Your dark eyes and hair remind me of my little Lulu’s.”

“Have you a little girl of your own, sir?” Rosie asked with a look of interest.