seemed pleased with that proposal; the captain gave the
order to have the boat made ready, and in a few moments they were on
their way. It was just the kind of a day to make such a little
excursion very enjoyable, and in a couple of hours they returned,
feeling in fine health and spirits and ready for either work or play.

Captain Raymond saw them safely on board, presently followed them
himself, and read aloud an entertaining book while they busied
themselves with bits of needlework. Soon dinner was announced; quite
a while was spent at the table, and shortly after they left it, the
boat was again in requisition to take the captain to the city and
bring him and the returned travellers back to the yacht.

The time of his absence seemed rather long to the waiting girls; but
when at last the boat came into sight, and they perceived that it held
all the expected ones, they were overjoyed, and when the deck was
reached the embraces exchanged were warm and loving.

"This seems very like a home-coming," said Violet. "We have had a
delightful time with our Pleasant Plains cousins, yet are glad to be
again on our own floating home."

"Yes," said her mother; "especially as we hope it will soon carry us
to our still dearer ones in the Sunny South."

"I am ready to start for them to-morrow, mother, if you wish it," the
captain said in his pleasant way. "I presume you have all seen enough,
for the present at least, of this part of our country."

He looked inquiringly at Annis as he spoke.

"I am ready to go or stay, as the others wish," she said. "It is now
late in September, and the excessive summer heat will surely be over
by the time we reach our journey's end. What are your opinions and
feelings on the subject, my dear?" turning to her husband.

"I care but little one way or the other, so that I have my wife with
me, and she is satisfied," returned Mr. Lilburn gallantly.

"And that, I presume, is about the way with these younger folk,"
remarked the captain, glancing around in a kindly way upon them.

"Yes, captain," said Evelyn; "we are all ready, I am sure, to go or
stay, as seems best to you."

"One can always find enjoyment wherever you are, father," said
Lucilla.

"Yes, indeed," said Grace. "But now, good folks, please all come down
to the saloon and see our preparations for your arrival." She led the
way, the others following, and on reaching the saloon and seeing its
wealth of adornment, they gave such meed