“Yes, I regret it very much,” said Violet.  “It has been one great drawback upon our pleasure.  O Lu, do look at Cousin Annis!  She seems to have grown ten years younger with happiness.  I am so glad for her, and that we are to have her for a near neighbor.”

“I too; but judging from Mr. Lilburn’s looks I should say he is gladder than anybody else.  Oh, I wish they would get married at once!  Wouldn’t it be fun, Mamma Vi, to have a wedding here on the yacht?”

“Yes, indeed!  Here comes your father,” as the captain rose and came toward them; “we will suggest it to him and see what he thinks of the idea,” she added, making room for him at her side.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said, taking the offered seat.  “You two seem to have found some very interesting topic of conversation.  May I ask what it is?”

“We are ready to let you into the secret without waiting to be questioned,” returned Violet.  “We have been planning to have a wedding on board, should you and the parties more particularly interested give consent.”

“And who may they be?” he asked lightly.  “Not that couple, I hope,” glancing in the direction of Croly and his lady-love.  “Rosie is, in my opinion, rather young to assume the cares and duties of married life.”

“As you said before, quite forgetting how you coaxed and persuaded a still younger girl to undertake them—­under your supervision,” laughed Violet.  “Ah, Captain Raymond, have you forgotten that consistency is a jewel?”

“Ah, my dear, have you forgotten that circumstances alter cases?” he returned in sportive tone.  “But allow me to remind you that you have not yet answered my question.”

“But I do now; it is the older couple of lovers Lu and I are benevolently inclined to assist into the bonds of matrimony.”

“Ah!  Well, I am pleased with the idea, and have no doubt that it will be an easy matter to secure the gentleman’s consent; as regards that of the lady I am somewhat doubtful.”

“I presume,” said Violet, “she will veto it at first; that is only natural; but we may succeed in coaxing her into it.”

“I should think that if they are going to get married the sooner the better,” observed Lucilla gravely.

“Why so, daughter?” asked the captain.

“Because neither is very young, you know, papa, so that they can hardly expect to have many years to live together, and the longer they wait the shorter the time will be.”

“Of their life together on earth, yes; but being Christians, they may hope to spend a blessed eternity in each other’s society.”

“Shall we make any move in the matter to-night, my dear?” asked Violet.

“I think not, except to talk it over with your mother and grandparents.”

“Yes, that will be the better plan,” said Violet.  “And mother will be the one to make the suggestion to Cousin Annis and persuade her to adopt it.”

“Yes; there will be no need of persuasion as regards the gentleman’s share in the matter.”