"I am entirely sure of the love of both of you, and of all my children." "And of your wife, I hope," added Violet in a sprightly tone.
"Yes, indeed, my love, or I should not be the happy man I am," he responded; then, as the carriage drew up before the entrance to the mansion, he threw open the door, alighted, and handed them out in turn.
"The children seem to be tired," remarked Violet; "do you not think they might as well go at once to their beds, my dear ?" "Yes," he said.

"Grace also; for she looks as weary as they." "Thank you, papa," she said.

"I am tired enough to be glad to do so.

But don't be anxious," she added with a smile, as he gave her a troubled look; "I am not at all sick; it is only weariness." And she held up her face for a kiss, which he gave heartily and with a look of tenderest fatherly affection.
The two little ones claimed their turn; then Violet and the three went upstairs, leaving the captain and Lucilla alone together.
"Didn't you say you had some letters to write when you came home, papa ?" she asked; "and can't I help you ?" "I say yes to both questions," he answered pleasantly.

"Take off your hat and come with me into the library.