s so much to
be thankful for as I?'"

"Ah, that fortunate mortal is surely he who sits by your side at this
moment, my darling," he answered in moved tones, taking her hand in his
and pressing it affectionately.

But the carriage was turning in at the Woodburn gates and presently the
glad shout of little voices was borne to their ears on the evening
breeze. "There it is! Papa and mamma have come home!"

A joyously tumultuous greeting followed, the little flock gathering
about them as they alighted, talking, laughing, dancing around them,
claiming their attention and their caresses.

Elsie and Ned pleaded for a ride, and Grace and Lulu seemed not averse
to sharing it. So there was a hasty bundling up in capes and hoods,
cloaks and shawls, papa piled them in, followed them, taking Ned on his
knee, and away they went for a mile or more down the road, then back
again, and were presently taking off their outdoor garments in the hall,
mamma helping the little ones.

Then all gathered about the tea-table with appetites that made
everything taste very good indeed. Elsie and Ned were too busy to talk
much, but Lulu and Grace were unusually gay and mirthful, and their
father indulged them in more than usual chat and laughter that were
neither rude nor boisterous.

Neither he nor Violet said anything of the new plans for the winter till
the babies had had their evening romp and been taken away to bed.
Violet, as usual, went with them, and the captain was left alone with
Lulu and Grace.

They were hanging lovingly about him as was their custom on such
occasions, and he drew one to each knee, saying in low, tender tones,
"My darlings! my precious little daughters! How rich I feel in the
possession of my five dear children!"

"And how rich we feel with our dear, dear father! to say nothing of our
dear, sweet Mamma Vi and the two darling babies!" responded Lulu,
putting her arm about his neck and her lips to his.

"Yes; and our dear big brother Maxie," added Grace.

"Yes, I was just going to mention him," said Lulu. "I am both very fond
and very proud of Max. I wouldn't swap him for any other body's brother
that ever I saw; no not even for all the nice brothers that Rosie has."

"Neither would I," said Grace, "though I'm fond of them all."

"Papa, when is it that we are going to see Max?" queried Lulu. "Some
time in January I know you said, but will it be to spend New Year's with
him?"

"No; wouldn't you like to go so