“Thank you, dearest,” was his smiling response.  “I am certainly pleased with the prospect of seeing that earthly paradise, particularly with you to share my enjoyment.  And how pleased Lulu and Gracie will be, for I have often heard them speak of Viamede as even lovelier than Woodburn, which they evidently esteem a very delightful and lovely home.”

“As it assuredly is, my dear,” was Violet’s smiling rejoinder.  “I could not ask a lovelier, happier home than that which my husband—­the very best and dearest of husbands—­has provided for me.  Oh, I often ask myself, ’Is there anybody else in all the wide world who has so much to be thankful for as I?’”

“Ah, that fortunate mortal is surely he who sits by your side at this moment, my darling,” he answered in moved tones, taking her hand in his and pressing it affectionately.

But the carriage was turning in at the Woodburn gates and presently the glad shout of little voices was borne to their ears on the evening breeze.  “There it is!  Papa and mamma have come home!”

A joyously tumultuous greeting followed, the little flock gathering about them as they alighted, talking, laughing, dancing around them, claiming their attention and their caresses.

Elsie and Ned pleaded for a ride, and Grace and Lulu seemed not averse to sharing it.  So there was a hasty bundling up in capes and hoods, cloaks and shawls, papa piled them in, followed them, taking Ned on his knee, and away they went for a mile or more down the road, then back again, and were presently taking off their outdoor garments in the hall, mamma helping the little ones.

Then all gathered about the tea-table with appetites that made everything taste very good indeed.  Elsie and Ned were too busy to talk much, but Lulu and Grace were unusually gay and mirthful, and their father indulged them in more than usual chat and laughter that were neither rude nor boisterous.

Neither he nor Violet said anything of the new plans for the winter till the babies had had their evening romp and been taken away to bed.  Violet, as usual, went with them, and the captain was left alone with Lulu and Grace.

They were hanging lovingly about him as was their custom on such occasions, and he drew one to each knee, saying in low, tender tones, “My darlings! my precious little daughters!  How rich I feel in the possession of my five dear children!”

“And how rich we feel with our dear, dear father! to say nothing of our dear, sweet Mamma Vi and the two darling babies!” responded Lulu, putting her arm about his neck and her lips to his.

“Yes; and our dear big brother Maxie,” added Grace.

“Yes, I was just going to mention him,” said Lulu.  “I am both very fond and very proud of Max.  I wouldn’t swap him for any other body’s brother that ever I saw; no not even for all the nice brothers that Rosie has.”

“Neither would I,” said Grace, “though I’m fond of them all.”