n an attempt to describe all her excellences," he
responded. "Well, Lulu, what is it?" as the child came running toward
them.

"Tea is ready, papa, and Grandma Rose says 'please come to it.'"

Shortly after leaving the table, the captain, noticing that Zoe seemed
anxious and sad, offered to go into the town and inquire if anything had
been seen or heard of the Edna.

"Oh, thank you," she said, brightening; "but won't you take me along?"

"Certainly, if you think you will not find the walk too long and
fatiguing."

"Not a bit," she returned, hastily donning hat and shawl.

"Have you any objection to my company, Levis?" Violet asked, with
sportive look and tone.

"My love, I shall be delighted, if you feel equal to the exertion," he
answered, with a look of pleasure that said more than the words.

"Quite," she said. "Max, I know you like to wait on me; will you please
bring my hat and shawl from the bedroom there?"

"Yes, indeed, with pleasure, Mamma Vi," the boy answered, with alacrity,
as he hastened to obey.

"Three won't make as agreeable a number for travelling the sidewalks as
four, and I ought to be looking out for Bob," remarked Betty; "so if
anybody will ask me to go along perhaps I may consent."

"Yes, do come," said Zoe. "I'll take you for my escort."

"And we will walk decorously behind the captain and Vi, feeling no fear
because under the protection of his wing," added the lively Betty. "But
do you think, sir, you have the strength and ability to protect three
helpless females?" she asked, suddenly wheeling round upon him.

"I have not a doubt I can render them all the aid and protection they
are at all likely to need in this peaceful, law-abiding community," he
answered, with becoming gravity, as he gave his arm to his wife, and led
the way from the house.

"It is a rather lonely but by no means dangerous walk, Cousin Betty," he
added, holding the gate open for her and the others to pass out.

"Lonely enough for me to indulge in a moderate amount of fun and
laughter, is it not, sir?" she returned, in an inquiring tone.

She seemed full of life and gayety, while Zoe was unusually quiet.

They walked into the town and all the way down to the wharf; but the
Edna was not there, nor could they hear any news of her. Zoe seemed full
of anxiety and distress, though the others tried to convince her there
was no occasion for it.

"Come, come, cheer up, little woman," the captain said, seeing her e