Just then the little ones came running in, eager to see Polly and hear her talk. But she was too much absorbed with her cracker to vouchsafe them a single word. "Is mamma ready for dinner, Elsie?" the captain asked presently. "Yes, sir," answered Violet's own voice from the doorway; "and there is the bell." "Then we will go down at once," said the captain, picking up Elsie and Ned, and following his wife down the stairs, Lulu and Grace bringing up the rear. The diningroom looked very attractive as they entered it; there was perfect neatness and order, vases of freshly cut flowers stood here and there, delighting the senses with their beauty and fragrance, and forming a lovely decoration for the table, which presented a most inviting appearance thus ornamented and set out with delicate china, snowy damask, and glittering cut glass and silver ware. Everyone regarded it with evident satisfaction, Violet saying gayly, "After all, my dear, can any lovelier or better place be found than this--our own sweet home?" "There is no dearer spot on earth to me, my love," he answered, with a smile that spoke fond affection, and delight in her appreciation of his efforts for her happiness and enjoyment. "I think no place on earth could be more beautiful than Viamede," remarked Lulu; "but this is more charming because it is our very own." "Yes," chimed in Grace, "papa's and mamma's and ours. It is ever so good in you, papa, to let us own it too." "Ah?" he returned laughingly, "but that is because I own you, you know." He had lifted baby Ned to his high chair, and now all seated themselves and the blessing was asked. They were a lively, happy little dinner-party, the children allowed a share in the conversation. "Papa," asked Grace at length, "are we to begin lessons to-morrow?" "No," he replied, "I will give you two days to run about and see everything here, at Ion, Fairview, the Oaks, and so forth. Then you must settle down to work and be very good and industrious if you want to be of the Annapolis party in June." "Oh, that will be so delightful, papa, and we do intend to be as good and industrious as possible!" she exclaimed, Lulu adding, "I am sure I do, and if I should deserve punishment, papa," she went on in an undertone hardly audible to anyone but him, for as usual she was seated close at his right hand, "please do make it something else than being left at home." "I have little fear of being compelled to punish you in that way or any other, daughter," he replied, giving her a loving look. "Thank you, dear papa; it is so kind in you to say that; and Gracie and I do just love to belong to you," raising her voice a little, "Don't we, Gracie?" "I do, I'm sure," returned Grace, with a loving smile up into her father's face. "Well, what shall we do this afternoon?" queried Violet. "I for one feel inclined to go all over the house and grounds, to look at every dear, familiar spot."