ink one who can claim all the promises of God to his
children, should be utterly free from the fear that hath torment; should
be afraid of nothing whatever but displeasing and dishonoring God."

"Yes, mamma, I see that it is so; and that all I lack to make me
perfectly courageous and easy in mind, is stronger faith.

"I think my husband has a faith which lifts him above every fear, and
that he is perfectly content to leave all future events to the ordering
of his heavenly Father."

Grandma Elsie's eyes shone. "You are blest in having such a husband, my
dear Vi," she said. "I trust you will help each other on in the heavenly
way, and be fellow-helpers to your children and his."

Violet looked up brightly. "I trust we shall, mamma; we both earnestly
desire to be, and I think his three all give good evidence that they
have already begun to walk in the straight and narrow way; and no
wonder, considering what a faithful, loving, Christian father he is--so
constant in prayer and effort on their behalf."

"Ah," as the sound of wheels was heard on the driveway, "they have
returned; and now we shall have a report of all that was done in the
magistrate's office. It must have been quite an ordeal to Max and Lulu."

CHAPTER XVII.

Capt. Raymond was met at the door by the youngest two of his daughters.

"Papa, I'se been yaisin' seeds," announced little Elsie, running into
his arms.

"Yaisin' seeds," he echoed; "what can that mean?"

"She means seeding raisins, papa," explained Grace, with a merry laugh.
"We've been in the kitchen helping the cook. At least pretending to help
her. Perhaps we hindered more than we helped.'"

"I dare say," he responded; "but I hope Elsie didn't eat the raisins,
nor you either; they are quite too indigestible for your young
stomachs."

"We each had one, papa; that was all. I told Elsie we wouldn't eat any
more till we asked leave, and she was a good little girl and didn't
tease for more."

"That was right; but for your own sakes I must say that is all you can
have."

He had paused for a moment in the hall to pet and fondle the two. Max
and Lulu stood looking on; Harold and Herbert were taking off their
overcoats near by.

"You're a funny talker, Elsie," laughed Max.

"Your English is not of the purest, little woman," said her Uncle
Harold.

"Tell Uncle Harold he must not expect perfection in a beginner," said
her father. "Where are grandma and mamma?"

"In the parlor I be