"I think we may expect him about the last of next January," was the reply. "And how soon does January come, papa?" "This is October: November comes next, then December, and next after that is January." "Oh, such a long while!" sighed Ned. "I want to see Max so badly that I don't know how to wait." "Pretty much the way papa feels about it," returned his father. "And as we all do," said Violet. "I wish the dear fellow had chosen work that could be done at home." "But somebody must go into the navy, my dear," said his father. "A good navy is very necessary for the safety of the country." "That is true," she returned; "and I know of no more honorable employment." "And employment of some kind we all should have. I know of nothing more ignoble than a life of idleness. It is sure to tempt to something worse. 'Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.'" "Yes," said Violet, "and the Bible bids us to be 'diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.'" "And in the fourth commandment we are bidden, 'Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work.' It makes no exception; recognizes no privileged class who may take their ease in idleness." "Yet there are times when one is really weary, that rest is right, are there not?" said Violet. "I remember that at one time Jesus said to his disciples, 'Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while.'" "Yes; there are times when rest is very necessary, and by taking it one is enabled to do more in the end." "And we have just had a nice long rest," said Grace; "so ought to be able to go to work earnestly and make good progress in our studies." "So I think," said Lucilla; then added laughingly, "and I'm glad father doesn't turn me out of the schoolroom because I've grown so big and old." "You are still small enough, and young enough, to demean yourself as one under authority," remarked the captain in pleasant tones; "otherwise you would not be admitted to the schoolroom among my younger pupils." Just then a rather discordant voice was heard calling, "Lu, Lu, what you 'bout? Polly wants a cracker." "You shall have one presently, Polly," Lucilia answered. "Oh, let's all go up there and see her," said Ned as they rose and left the table. "Yes, we may as well begin there to make our circuit of the house," said his father; and they all hastened up the stairway to the apartments of Lucilla and Grace. "I think Polly is glad to see us," said Elsie, as they stood for a moment watching her while she ate. "A good deal more pleased to see and taste the cracker," said her father. "I doubt if parrots ever have much affection to bestow on anyone." "Well, Polly," said Lulu, "nobody cares particularly for your affection; but in spite of your coldness and indifference, you shall have plenty to eat." "Your rooms are in good order, daughters," said the captain, glancing about them. "I think Christine is an excellent housekeeper."