and held it fast.

"I hope you will be a better and more talented man, my boy," he said,
"but always remember my most ardent wish is to see you a truly good man, a
Christian, serving God with all your powers."

At this moment a voice behind them said, "Good-mornin', cap'n. I'se got a
lettah hyah for you, sah."

"Ah, good-morning, Ben, and thank you for bringing it," said the captain,
turning round to receive it.

"You's bery welcom, sah," responded Ben, touching his hat respectfully,
then walking away toward Mr. Dinsmore's cottage.

"From Washington," the captain remarked, more to himself than to Max, as
he broke the seal.

Max watched him while he read, then asked, a little tremulously, "Must you
go very soon, papa?"

"Within three days, my boy. But we won't say anything about it until after
prayers, but let Mamma Vi and your sisters enjoy their breakfast in
peace."

"Yes, sir. Papa, I wish I was going with you!"

"But think how your sisters would miss you, Max."

"Yes, sir, I suppose they would. I hadn't thought of that."

"Besides, I want you to take my place to Mamma Vi as nearly as you can,"
added his father, looking smilingly at him.

"O papa, thank you!" cried the boy, his face growing bright with pleased
surprise. "I will try my very best and do all for her that I can."

"I don't doubt it, my son. And now let us go in, for it must be
breakfast-time, I think."

Lulu and Grace ran out to the veranda to meet them with a glad,
"Good-morning, papa," and holding up their faces for a kiss.

It was bestowed heartily, as he stooped and gathered them in his arms,
saying in tender tones, "Good-morning, my dear little daughters."

The breakfast bell was ringing, and they hastened to obey its summons.
They found Violet already in the dining-room, and looking sweet and fresh
as a rose, in a pretty, becoming morning dress.

The captain chatted cheerfully with her and the children while he ate,
seeming to enjoy his beefsteak, muffins and coffee; but Max scarcely
spoke, and occasionally had some difficulty in swallowing his food because
of the lump that would rise in his throat at the thought of the parting
now drawing so near.

Directly after breakfast came family worship. Then as Violet and her
husband stood together before the window looking out upon the sea, he
gave her his Washington letter to read.

She glanced over it, while he put his arm about her waist.

"O Levis, so soon!" she said tremulousl