It seemed to afford him pleasure to give the deserved meed of praise, and the young faces grew bright and gladsome under it.  An hour was then given to writing and ciphering, and they were dismissed for the day.

“May we go out into the grounds now, papa?” asked Lulu, as she put up her books.

“Yes,” he replied, “but keep near the house for the present, for it is near dinner-time now.”

“We will, papa,” both little girls answered and hurried away.

They sported about the lawn till summoned to the house by the dinner-bell, whose call they obeyed with alacrity, air and exercise having given them good appetites.

“My dear,” the captain said to his wife, near the conclusion of the meal, “you have had a busy morning, can you not afford to devote the afternoon to recreation?”

“Certainly, if you will share it,” she replied.  “Are we not to have that row on the bayou?”

“It is what I had planned, should my wife still feel inclined to go,” he said.

“Ah! that will be very enjoyable I think; and perhaps there may be time afterward for me to drive over to the parsonage.  I want a bit of chat with Isa about some household matters.”

“Yes, I think you may have time for both,” he returned.  “An hour on the bayou will be sufficient for this first time; the carriage can be ordered to be in waiting when we return, and you, if the plan suits your views, can drive over to the parsonage at once, have your talk, and be at home again in season to pour out your husband’s tea.”

“That will do nicely, thank you, sir,” she returned gayly.  “I see I am not likely to lack for diversion with you at the head of affairs, so I think I shall try to keep you there as long as possible.”

“I hope you will, Mamma Vi,” said Lulu, “And any way I’m glad that when papa is about, he is the one that has control of me.”

“So I have at least one willing subject,” remarked the captain, looking not ill-pleased.

“Two, papa,” said Grace, “you can always count on me for one.”

“I don’t doubt it in the least, dear child,” he said.  “And now, as I see you have all finished your dinner, and the boat is at the wharf, let us be going.”

In a few minutes all were seated in the boat, and it was moving rapidly over the water, the children very merry, the parents by no means disposed to check the manifestations of their mirth.

They found the carriage in waiting when they landed.

“You are going with us, Levis?” Violet said inquiringly, as the captain handed her in.

“I should be pleased to do so, my dear, but have too many business letters calling for immediate reply,” he said, lifting little Ned, and then Elsie, to a place by her side.  “Lulu and Gracie, you would like to go with your mamma?”

“Yes, sir, if I may,” Grace answered with alacrity, but Lulu declined, saying:  “I would much rather stay with you, papa, if I may.”