"So do I, father," said Lucilla. "We have only to unpack our trunks and put their contents in their proper places, and all will be as neat and orderly as before we left home." "Yes, but we are going to visit the other parts of the house first," said Grace; "or we'll have to do it alone, which wouldn't be half so much fun as going along with papa and the rest." They finished their inspection quickly, then set to work at their unpacking and arranging, laughing and chatting merrily as they worked. Violet, in her rooms, with Elsie and Ned to help or hinder, was busied in much the same manner. The captain was in the library examining letters and periodicals which had accumulated during his absence, when he was interrupted by the announcement that Mr. Dinsmore had called to see him. "Mr. Dinsmore?" he said inquiringly. "Yes, sah; Mr. Chester. Here am his kyard." "Ah, yes; just show him in here." The two greeted each other cordially, and Chester was invited to take a seat, which he did. "I am making you an early call, captain," he said. "I knew you were expected to-day, and heard, perhaps an hour ago, that you had actually arrived. I have, as you requested, kept a lookout for that escaped convict who threatened your daughter at the time of his trial. He has not yet been caught, but as I cannot learn that he has been seen anywhere in this neighborhood, I hope he has given up the idea of wreaking vengeance upon her." "I hope so, indeed," returned her father; "but I shall be very careful never to let her go from home unattended." "I am glad to hear you say that, sir," said Chester; "and I shall be very happy if I may sometimes be permitted to act as her escort. You may not always find it entirely convenient to undertake the duty yourself." "Thank you for your offer; I may sometimes be glad to avail myself of it," was the reply. They chatted a while longer, then Chester rose as if to take his leave. "Don't go yet," said the captain. "My wife and daughters will join us presently, and feel glad to see you. Stay and take tea with us, and give us all the news about the family at The Oaks." "Thank you," returned Chester, sitting down again. "We are all quite well, Syd busy with her preparations for going South to join Maud and Dick." "Ah! she leaves soon?" "I think before very long; but the exact time is not set yet." "You will feel lonely--robbed of both your sisters." "Yes, sir," Chester returned with a slight smile. "I should greatly prize a sweet young wife, who would much more than fill their places." "Ah, yes; but this is one of the cases where it is best to make haste slowly, my young friend," the captain returned in a pleasant tone. "I am feeling a little uneasy lest Percy Landreth or someone else may have got ahead of me," Chester said inquiringly, and with an anxious look.