“There, the Conlys are making a move as if about to go,” said Lucilla.  “And I hope they will, for I do want to know what Grandma Elsie and the others will think of the plan.”

“Always in a hurry, daughter mine,” the captain said, giving her an amused smile as they rose and went forward to speed the parting guests and assure them of a hearty welcome whenever they should see fit to return.

Not long after their departure the others retired to their state-rooms, Violet, however, going first into that of her mother to tell of her own and husband’s plans concerning the nuptials of their cousins, Mr. Lilburn and Annis.

“That would be quite romantic for the youthful pair,” Mrs. Travilla said with her low, sweet laugh, “I doubt very much, however, if you can persuade Annis to give her consent to so sudden a relinquishment of all the rights and privileges of maidenhood.  Besides she will hardly like to deprive her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, of the pleasure of witnessing the ceremony.”

“They might be invited to come and be present at the marriage,” Violet suggested a little doubtfully.

“I fear there are too many of them,” her mother said in reply; “so that they will think it would be far easier for Aunt Annis to go to them; and more suitable for her to be married in her own old home.”

“Do you really think so, mamma?  Well, please don’t suggest it to her.  I am sure that if our plan can be carried out it will be a great saving to them of both expense and trouble; for of course my husband will provide the wedding feast.”

“Well, dear, I should like to see your plan carried out, and I must insist upon sharing the expense.  But we will talk it over again in the morning.  We are both weary now and ought to go at once to our beds.”

“Then good-night, mamma, dear.  May you sleep sweetly and peacefully and wake again fully rested,” Violet said, giving her mother a fond embrace.

“And you also, daughter.  May He who neither slumbers nor sleeps have you and yours in his safe keeping through the silent watches of the night,” responded her mother, returning the embrace.

The captain had lingered on the deck as usual, to give his orders for the night, and Lucilla waited about for the bit of petting as she termed it, of which she was so fond.

“Ah, so you are still here, daughter!” he said in his usual kind, fatherly tones as he turned and found her at his side.  “Have you something to say to your father?” putting his arm about her and holding her close as something precious.

“Only the usual story—­that I love my father dearly, dearly, and don’t like to go to bed without telling him so and getting a caress that nobody else will know anything about.”

“A great secret that doubtless the whole world would be glad to discover!” he laughed, bestowing them without stint.  “Is my little girl unhappy, about—­anything? and wanting her father to comfort her?” he asked, looking keenly into her face.