“We are almost there; it’s the next station,” said the captain with satisfaction, beginning to collect satchels and parcels.

“Oh, I am glad!” exclaimed Violet.  “I long to see the dear children and to witness their delight in being taken into—­their father’s arms.”  The concluding words were spoken tremulously and with starting tears as a gush of tender memories came over her.

Her husband understood it, and clasping her hand fondly in his bent over her with a whispered, “My darling! my own sweet precious little wife!”

She answered him with a look of love and joy.  Then after a moment’s silence, “Do you think, Levis, that they will be pleased that—­that you have given them a step-mother?” she asked timidly and with a sigh.

“If they don’t fall in love with your sweet face at first sight I shall be exceedingly surprised,” he said, gazing upon her with the fondest admiration.

“Ah, I cannot hope so much as that!” she sighed; “children are so apt to hear and treasure up unkind remarks about stepmothers; but I shall hope to win their hearts in time.  It seems to me we cannot fail to love each other with such a bond of union as our common love to you.”

“No, I trust not,” he said, with a bright, happy smile.  “I think they are warm-hearted children; I’m sure they love their father; and it does seem to me utterly impossible that they should fail to love the dearest, loveliest, sweetest little lady in the world merely because she has become that father’s wife.”

The whistle blew loudly, the train rushed on with redoubled speed, slackened, came to a stand-still, and in another minute the captain had alighted and was handing out Violet.

“Papa! oh, I’m so glad you’re come at last!” cried a boyish voice at his side.

“Max, my dear boy!”

There was a hasty, hearty embrace, Violet standing smiling by, then the captain said, “Violet, my love, this is my son,” and Max, moved by a sudden impulse, threw his arms about her neck and kissed her in a rapture of delight, so sweet and beautiful did she appear in his eyes.

“Oh, I beg your pardon!” he stammered, releasing her and stepping back a little, afraid he had taken too great a liberty.  But venturing a second glance into her face, he saw that she was smiling sweetly through her blushes.

“No apology is needed, Max,” she said cheerily.  “My brothers are always ready with a kiss for mamma and sisters.  And, since I am not old enough to be your mother, you will let me be your older sister; won’t you?”

“Oh, thank you, yes!” said Max.  “Papa, let me carry the parcels.  My sisters are waiting for us there in the hotel on the other side of the street.  Gracie couldn’t run across as I did, and Lu stayed with her.”

“That was quite right,” said his father.  “I am in great haste to see my darlings, but would rather not do so in a crowd.”

There was a very strong affection between the captain and his children.  The hearts of the little girls beat fast, and their eyes filled with tears of joy as they saw him cross the street and come into the room where they were.  With a cry of joy they threw themselves into his arms, and he clasped both together to his heart, caressing them over and over again, Violet looking on with eyes brimful of sympathetic tears.