under the ever-watchful care of their nurse.

Much the same sort of life continued for a week or more; then many of the
friends found it necessary to return to their homes. The cousins from
Pleasant Plains were among that number, and the day before leaving young
Percy seized a rare opportunity for a word in private with Captain
Raymond.

"I have been coveting such a chance as this, sir," he said, coloring with
embarrassment, "but--but couldn't find it till now. I--I--want----"

"Speak out, my young friend," said the captain kindly, "I am ready to
listen to whatever you may have to say, and if in my power to assist you
in any way, shall feel it a pleasure to do so; particularly as you are a
relative of my wife."

Percy had had but little opportunity for showing his penchant for Lucilla,
and the young girl's father was not thinking of her, but imagined there
might be some business venture in which the young man desired his
assistance.

"You have perhaps something to tell me of your plans and prospects for the
future," he said enquiringly, "and if so, possibly I may be able to exert
influence, or render assistance, in some way; it will give me pleasure, I
assure you, to do anything in my power; so do not be afraid to speak out."

"You are very kind, captain, very kind indeed," stammered Percy, flushing
more hotly than before, "but that--that is not it exactly. I hope you
won't be angry, but I have been trying to screw up my courage to ask
for--something far more valuable than money, influence, or anything else
that could be thought of. I--I love your daughter, sir,--Miss
Lucilla--and--and I hope you won't forbid me to tell her so."

He drew a sigh of relief that at last the Rubicon was crossed--his desire
and purpose made known; but a glance at the captain's grave and troubled
face dashed his hopes to the ground.

A moment of silence followed, then Captain Raymond spoke in gentle,
sympathetic tones.

"I am sorry, very sorry to disappoint you, my young friend; but I cannot
grant your request. Lucilla is but a child yet--a mere school-girl; and
such I intend to keep her for some six years or more to come. I have no
objection to you more than to any other man, but cannot consent to
allowing her to be approached on that subject until she reaches much more
mature years."

"And in the meantime somebody else will in all probability get ahead of
me," sighed Percy. "Oh, sir, can I not persuade you to revoke that
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