ious day, then returned to the house,
for it was nearing breakfast time.

They found Violet, Grace, and the two younger children on the veranda.
Morning greetings were exchanged, then Lucilla hurried to her rooms to
make some changes in her dress and was coming down again when the
breakfast bell rang.

It was a cheerful, even merry, party that gathered about the table to
partake of the meal, an excellent one; for the captain and Violet were
most hospitable entertainers.

The talk ran principally upon the sports that would enliven and
entertain the company during the day; suggestions from any and every one
being in order; and, by the time the meal was concluded, all felt that
they had every prospect of a most enjoyable holiday.

"The weather could not be more propitious than it is," remarked Captain
Keith. "You began your enjoyment of it early, Miss Lu," turning to
Lucilla. "I happened to be at my window and saw you and your father out
in the grounds."

"Yes," she said, "papa and I usually do take a stroll about them before
breakfast. He is always an early riser. I inherit the taste for it from
him and, being in excellent health, can indulge it without injury."

"Which is something to be thankful for," he said with a smile.

"Yes, indeed!" she returned heartily. "Health and strength are the
greatest of earthly blessings. I would not part with them for any amount
of money."

"No; money cannot buy health and strength, though they may give one the
ability to earn money. You, however, have a father able and willing to
furnish all you may need of it."

"Yes," said the captain in his pleasant way, "but that daughter of mine
likes to make herself useful to me, and does so to such an extent that I
really think she earns all she gets."

"Oh, no, papa, not half!" exclaimed Lucilla, blushing with pleasure
nevertheless. "And that reminds me that I have not asked about your mail
this morning. Are there some letters to be answered on the typewriter?"

"I have been as forgetful as yourself, daughter," her father answered
with a slight laugh. "Scip" (to a servant in waiting), "is the mail bag
on the library table?"

"I think so, sah. Shall I fotch it hyar?"

"Yes; bring it here to me."

It was brought, opened, and found to contain letters for family and
guests, besides newspapers and magazines.

They were speedily distributed to the owners, read,--some of them
aloud,--and their contents talked over.

Then all adjour