“Yes, sir.  Papa, I wish I was going with you!”

“But think how your sisters would miss you, Max.”

“Yes, sir, I suppose they would.  I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Besides, I want you to take my place to Mamma Vi as nearly as you can,” added his father, looking smilingly at him.

“O papa, thank you!” cried the boy, his face growing bright with pleased surprise.  “I will try my very best and do all for her that I can.”

“I don’t doubt it, my son.  And now let us go in, for it must be breakfast-time, I think.”

Lulu and Grace ran out to the veranda to meet them with a glad, “Good-morning, papa,” and holding up their faces for a kiss.

It was bestowed heartily, as he stooped and gathered them in his arms, saying in tender tones, “Good-morning, my dear little daughters.”

The breakfast bell was ringing, and they hastened to obey its summons.  They found Violet already in the dining-room, and looking sweet and fresh as a rose, in a pretty, becoming morning dress.

The captain chatted cheerfully with her and the children while he ate, seeming to enjoy his beefsteak, muffins and coffee; but Max scarcely spoke, and occasionally had some difficulty in swallowing his food because of the lump that would rise in his throat at the thought of the parting now drawing so near.

Directly after breakfast came family worship.  Then as Violet and her husband stood together before the window looking out upon the sea, he gave her his Washington letter to read.

She glanced over it, while he put his arm about her waist.

“O Levis, so soon!” she said tremulously, looking up at him with eyes full of tears, then her head dropped upon his shoulder, and the tears began to fall.

He soothed her with caresses and low-breathed words of endearment; of hope, too, that the separation might not be a long one.

“What is it, Max?” whispered Lulu, “has papa got his orders?”

“Yes; and has to be off in less than three days,” replied Max, in husky tones, and hastily brushing away a tear.

Lulu’s eyes filled, but by a great effort she kept the tears from falling.

The captain turned toward them.  “We are going into the other house, children,” he said.  “You can come with us if you wish.”

“Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir,” they said, and Grace ran to her father and put her hand in his.

They found the Dinsmore and Travilla family all assembled in the parlor, discussing plans for the day, all of which were upset by the captain’s news.

His ship lay in Boston harbor, and it was promptly decided that they would all leave to-day for that city, only a few hours’ distant.

As the cottages had been rented furnished, and all had for days past held themselves in readiness for sudden departure, this would afford ample time for the necessary packing and other arrangements.