passed swiftly and pleasantly in the round of
occupations and amusements suggested by Grace. Friday and Saturday
soon slipped by, and Sunday came, bringing its sacred duties and
pleasures--religious services at home, at church, then the Sunday
schools, and after that the home Bible class, which all found so
pleasant. They gathered upon the veranda, each with a Bible in hand;
for even little Ned could now read fluently, and generally find the
references for himself.

"Will you not lead us to-day, mother?" asked the captain when all were
seated.

"No," she said with her pleasant smile, "I very much prefer to have that
burden borne by my son-in-law, Captain Raymond."

"And you wish him to select the subject?"

"Yes; he cannot fail to fix upon a good and interesting one."

"And how is it with you, my love?" he asked, turning to Violet.

"Suppose we take thanksgiving as our subject," she said; "we all have so
much, so very much, to be thankful for."

"Indeed we have!" he returned emphatically, "and I think no better
subject could be found. Neddie, my boy, can you tell papa something you
have to be thankful for?"

"Oh, yes, papa! eyes to see with, ears to hear with, hands and feet, and
that I can use them all; for I saw a boy the other day that can't walk
at all, though he has feet, but must lie on a bed or sit in a chair all
the time; while I can walk, and run, and jump whenever I want to."

"Yes, those are all great blessings," his father said. "And now, Elsie,
can you think of some others?"

"Oh, so many, papa! more than I can count," the little girl answered
earnestly. "A dear, kind father and mother, and grandma among them; and,
oh, so many dear relations besides; 'specially my sisters and brothers.
And I am so glad I was born in this Christian land and taught about God
and the dear Saviour; and have a Bible to read, and know that I may pray
to God, and that he will hear me and help me to be good--to love and
serve him. But, oh! I can't name all my blessings, papa, they are so
very, very many."

"That is very true, daughter," he replied; "and we can all say the same;
our blessings are more than we can count. But the best of all is the
gift of God's dear son. 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.' 'Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.'
'I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise t