Captain Raymond and his daughter walked about inspecting everything, until they had gone over the whole place, giving all needed directions to the workmen who were busied here and there with some alterations the captain had decided upon the previous day, then returned to the house, for it was nearing breakfast time.

They found Violet, Grace, and the two younger children on the veranda.  Morning greetings were exchanged, then Lucilla hurried to her rooms to make some changes in her dress and was coming down again when the breakfast bell rang.

It was a cheerful, even merry, party that gathered about the table to partake of the meal, an excellent one; for the captain and Violet were most hospitable entertainers.

The talk ran principally upon the sports that would enliven and entertain the company during the day; suggestions from any and every one being in order; and, by the time the meal was concluded, all felt that they had every prospect of a most enjoyable holiday.

“The weather could not be more propitious than it is,” remarked Captain Keith.  “You began your enjoyment of it early, Miss Lu,” turning to Lucilla.  “I happened to be at my window and saw you and your father out in the grounds.”

“Yes,” she said, “papa and I usually do take a stroll about them before breakfast.  He is always an early riser.  I inherit the taste for it from him and, being in excellent health, can indulge it without injury.”

“Which is something to be thankful for,” he said with a smile.

“Yes, indeed!” she returned heartily.  “Health and strength are the greatest of earthly blessings.  I would not part with them for any amount of money.”

“No; money cannot buy health and strength, though they may give one the ability to earn money.  You, however, have a father able and willing to furnish all you may need of it.”

“Yes,” said the captain in his pleasant way, “but that daughter of mine likes to make herself useful to me, and does so to such an extent that I really think she earns all she gets.”

“Oh, no, papa, not half!” exclaimed Lucilla, blushing with pleasure nevertheless.  “And that reminds me that I have not asked about your mail this morning.  Are there some letters to be answered on the typewriter?”

“I have been as forgetful as yourself, daughter,” her father answered with a slight laugh.  “Scip” (to a servant in waiting), “is the mail bag on the library table?”

“I think so, sah.  Shall I fotch it hyar?”

“Yes; bring it here to me.”

It was brought, opened, and found to contain letters for family and guests, besides newspapers and magazines.

They were speedily distributed to the owners, read,—­some of them aloud,—­and their contents talked over.

Then all adjourned to the library for the morning service of prayer, praise, and reading of the Scriptures, after which they scattered about the house and grounds.