It was certainly a great change from Mrs. Scrimp’s little dining-room with its small, plainly furnished table, the three to sit down to it, and Ann to wait upon them—­a very pleasant change to Lulu.  She enjoyed it greatly.

She and Max scarcely spoke during the meal, occupying themselves in eating and listening to the lively discourse going on around them, but were well waited upon, the servants being attentive, and both Elsie and Violet interesting themselves to see that the little strangers were not neglected.

On leaving the table, all repaired to the veranda and front door yard, for the enjoyment of a moonlight evening and the sea breeze.

The young Travillas and Raymonds speedily grew quite intimate and were mutually pleased; but the latter, fatigued with the journey and excitements of the day, were ready to retire at an early hour.

They waited only for family worship, conducted for both households by Mr. Dinsmore, then Violet and they bade good-night and went back to their own dwelling, leaving the captain to sit some time longer on the veranda with the other gentlemen.

“Have you everything you want in your room, Max?” Violet asked in a kindly tone, as the boy took up his bedroom candle.

“Yes, thank you, Mamma Vi,” he answered cheerfully, but with a longing look at her.

“What is it, Max?” she asked, with her sweet smile.  “Don’t be afraid to tell me if there is anything you want.”

“I—­I’m afraid I oughtn’t to ask it,” he stammered, blushing vividly, “I’ve no right, and—­and it might be disagreeable, but—­oh, I should like to kiss you good-night!”

“You may, Max,” she said, laughing, then put her arms round his neck and gave the kiss very heartily.

“Thank you,” he cried in blushing delight; then hurried away, calling back, “Ah, good-night, Lu!”

“Good-night,” she answered, looking wistfully at Violet.

“Shall I have a good-night kiss from you too, dear?” Violet asked, offering her lips.

Lulu accepted the invitation in an eager, joyous way, then asked, “May I see Gracie before I go to bed?”

“Yes, dear; we will go in very quietly lest we should wake her if she is asleep.”

They found Gracie awake, Aunt Chloe shaking up her pillow and smoothing the cover over her.

“O mamma!” she cried in her little weak voice, “how beautiful you are!  And, Lulu, where did you get those pretty things?”

“Mamma Vi gave them to me,” Lulu said.  “O Gracie dear, are you better?”

“Yes, I don’t feel sick now, only weak.  She’s very good to me, she and everybody,” with a grateful look at her sable nurse.

“Yes,” Violet said, “mammy is always good and kind, especially to a sick person.  Now Lulu and I will kiss you good-night and leave you to go to sleep again.”

“You are nice and kind to come, both of you,” Gracie said, receiving and returning their caresses.