train they had decided to take left early in the afternoon, and
they were busy with their preparations until almost the last moment;
then they bade the young girls a hasty good-by and left them on the
deck, where the captain presently rejoined them, after seeing the
departing ones safely on the train and watching it for a moment as it
sped rapidly on its way.

"And they are off, are they, father? Well, I hope they will all enjoy
themselves greatly, but I am glad we are left here with you," Lucilla
said as he rejoined their little group.

"Yes, I saw them off. I hope their visit will prove very enjoyable to
them all, and that our stay here will be equally enjoyable to us."

"That is what we are all anticipating, captain," said Evelyn. "I don't
know where in the world I should rather pass the next few weeks than
on the _Dolphin_ with you and these dear girls for company."

"That is pleasant news for us," he returned in kindly tones. "And now
what can I do for your entertainment? I am ready to consider
suggestions from each of you."

"Don't you think we should take Eva to visit the different islands in
this group, papa?" queried Grace.

"Certainly; if she would like to go."

"Very much indeed," said Eva; "I know I shall enjoy going any- and
every-where that you may be pleased to take me, or just staying on the
yacht lying in one place, if that suits the rest of you."

"We will try that occasionally by way of variety," the captain said
with a smile. "Shall we not do that for the rest of this day,--as it
is now almost dinner time,--then start off for some other point
shortly after breakfast to-morrow morning?"

"Oh, yes, sir!" they all exclaimed; Grace adding, "And, papa, won't
you take us to Gibraltar? It is so picturesque that I think it is
worth visiting several times."

"Yes, and so are some of the other islands. We will visit any or all
of them as many times as you wish."

"Well," said Lucilla, "with taking those little trips now and then,
and having books, work,--needlework I mean,--games, and music, I think
it will be strange should we find time hang heavy on our hands."

"Yes, indeed," said Evelyn with a sigh of contentment; "I am not in
the least afraid of any such calamity."

They talked on, planning various little excursions to one and another
of the islands and different points of interest upon the mainland,
till summoned to their meal.

"It seems a trifle lonely," Grace remarked as they took the