“Oh, what a nice plan, papa!  I am sure Maxie will be very glad.”

“Yes, I do it with the hope of giving pleasure to my dear boy.  And besides that I shall tell him that he may again choose some benevolent object to which I will give, in his name, a thousand dollars.  You too, and Gracie, shall have the same privilege.”

“Just as we all had last year.  Oh, papa, it is so good and kind in you!”

“That is the opinion of my very partial little daughter,” he returned, with a smile.  “But, daughter, as I have often told you, the money is the Lord’s, and I am only his steward.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, and walked thoughtfully away.

By the middle of the afternoon the rain seemed to be over and a row on the bayou was enjoyed by the most of the party; all who cared to go.

Music and conversation made the evening pass quickly and pleasantly, and all retired to their rooms at an early hour that they might rise refreshed for the duties and privileges of the Lord’s day.

It was spent, as former ones had been, attending church and the pastor’s Bible class in the morning, and holding a similar service on the lawn at Viamede in the afternoon.

In addressing that little congregation the captain tried to make the way of salvation very clear and plain.

“It is just to come to Jesus as you are,” he said; “not waiting to make yourself any better, for you never can; he alone can do that work; it is his blood that cleanses from all sin; his righteousness that is perfect, and therefore acceptable to God; while all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, stained and defiled with sin.

“Concerning him—­the only begotten and well beloved Son of God—­the Bible tells us, ’He is able to save them unto the uttermost that come unto God by him.’

“‘The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’

“And he says, ‘Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.’

“’This is the will of him that sent me, that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.’

“Just go to Jesus each one of you, give yourself to him and believe his word—­that he will not cast you out; he will receive you and make you his own; giving you of his spirit, changing you from the poor sinner you are, by nature, into his image, his likeness.”

At the conclusion of that service Lulu and Grace recited their Bible verses and catechism to their father.

The evening was spent in conversation and music suited to the sacredness of the day, and all retired to rest.

Nine o’clock of the next morning found the girls and Walter seated in the schoolroom.  Lulu and Grace busied with their tasks, the others ready and waiting to have theirs appointed by the captain.

School that day was a decided success, and Rosie pretended that her fears of the new teacher were greatly allayed.