swered in the affirmative, though Elsie, looking
doubtfully at Violet, remarked that she feared she was hardly strong
enough for so long a journey.

"Ah, that brings me to my second proposition, mother," said Captain
Raymond; "that--seeing what a very large company we shall make,
especially if we can persuade our friends from Fairview, the Oaks, and
the Laurels to accompany us--we charter a yacht and go by sea."

"Oh, captain, what a nice idea!" cried Zoe, clapping her hands. "I love
the sea--love to be either beside it or on it."

"I think it would be ever so nice!" Rosie exclaimed. "Oh, grandpa and
mamma, do say yes!"

"I shall not oppose it, my dear," Elsie said; "indeed, I think it may
perhaps be our best plan. How does it strike you, father?"

"Favorably," he replied, "if we can get the yacht. Do you know of one
that might be hired, captain?"

"I do, sir; a very fine one. I have done with it as with the
cottage--partially engaged it--feeling pretty sure you would all
fall in with my views."

"Captain," cried Zoe, "you're just a splendid man! I know of only one
that's more so," with a laughing look at her husband.

The captain bowed his acknowledgments. "As high praise as I could
possibly ask, my dear sister. I trust that one may always stand first in
your esteem."

"He always will," said Zoe; "but," with another glance, arch and
smiling, into Edward's eyes, "don't tell him, lest he should grow
conceited and vain."

"Don't tell him, because it would be no news," laughed Edward, gazing
with fondness and admiration at the blooming face of the loved
flatterer.

The talk went on about the yacht, and before they left the table the
captain was empowered to engage her for their use. Also the 'Sconset
cottage he had spoken of, and one or two more, if they were to be had.

"You will command the vessel, of course, captain?" several voices said,
inquiringly, all speaking at once.

"If chosen commander by a unanimous vote," he said.

"Of course, of course; we'll be only too glad to secure your services,"
said Mr. Dinsmore, everybody else adding a word of glad assent.

"How soon do we sail, captain?" asked Zoe. "Must we wait for an answer
from Nantucket?"

"No; I shall send word by this morning's mail, to Captain Coffin, that
we will take his cottage and two others, if he can engage them for us.
But there is no time to wait for a reply."

"Can't we telegraph?" asked Violet.

"No; because there is no teleg