"It does credit to your father's taste." "And yours," added her husband, with a pleased smile; "for have I not always consulted with my wife before making any alteration or adding what I thought would be an improvement?
And has not the first suggestion come from her more than once ?" "Quite true," she returned, giving him a look of loving appreciation; "in fact, my dear, you are so ready to humor and indulge me in every possible way that I am half afraid to make a suggestion." "Lest I should have too much pleasure in carrying it out ?" he queried, with playful look and tone.
"Oh, certainly!" she replied with a musical laugh; "it would be a sad pity to spoil so good a husband." "Father, may I ride over the grounds before alighting ?" asked Max's voice in eager tones, just at that moment.
"If you wish, my son," the captain answered pleasantly.

"But suppose you delay a little and let some of us accompany you ?" "Yes, sir; that will be better," was the prompt, cheerful rejoinder, and in another minute Max had dismounted at the door of the mansion, and stood ready to assist the occupants of the carriage to alight.
"Ah, I see you have been making some changes and improvements here, father," he said, glancing about as he entered the hall door.
"Yes, and in other parts of the house," said Violet.

"Perhaps you might as well go over it before visiting the grounds." "I am at liberty to go everywhere, as of old ?" he returned, half in assertion, half enquiringly and turning from her to his father.
"Certainly, my son; it is as truly your father's house, therefore open in every part to you, as it was before you left its shelter for Uncle Sam's Naval Academy," replied the captain, regarding the lad with mingled fatherly affection, pride, and amusement.
"Thank you, sir," returned Max heartily.

"Ah, Christine!" as the housekeeper, whom something had detained in another part of the house at the moment of their arrival, now appeared among them, "I'm pleased to see you again; looking so well, too.

I really don't think you have changed in the least in all the time I have been away," shaking her hand warmly as he spoke.
"Ah, Master Max, sir, I can't say the same of you," she returned with a pleasant smile into the bright young face.