Evidently the young girls were well satisfied with the decision. They had had enough travel by rail for the present, and life on the _Dolphin_ would be decidedly restful and enjoyable, for they were delightful companions, the captain was the best and kindest of protectors and providers, and there was abundance of interesting reading matter at hand in the shape of books and periodicals. Percy was much disappointed, but did his best to conceal it, which was the easier because the others were much taken up with the necessarily hasty preparations for the little trip. "I don't want to go without my papa," Ned said stoutly at first. "But papa thinks he can't go, and it is for only a little while, you know," reasoned his mother. "We expect to come back to papa and sisters in a few days." "But, mamma, why don't you and I stay with him? It's nice here on our yacht and going about to new places 'most every day." "So it is, son, but it will be pleasant to see those relatives who have invited us to their homes, and to refuse to accept their invitation would not seem kind." "But papa does refuse." "Yes; he must have some good reason which he has not told us." "Papa is going to take care of the yacht, and of Eva and our sisters," said Elsie, joining in the talk. They were in their stateroom, Violet putting together such articles of clothing as she thought best to take with them on their little trip. "But who'll take care of us?" demanded Ned. "Uncle Walter, Cousin Ronald, and Cousin Percy. I'd rather have papa than all of them put together, but our Heavenly Father will take care of us, and that is better still." "Yes, daughter; He will take the best of care of all who put their trust in him; and without his help no earthly creature can keep you from harm," said their father's voice close at hand; and, looking round, they saw him standing in the doorway. "Yes, papa; and I'm so glad to know it," responded Elsie. "But I do wish you were going along with us to visit those cousins." "As I do, my dear," said Violet. "Thank you. I should like it myself, but for certain reasons it seems advisable and best for me to stay behind. Vi, my dear, let me do that packing for you." The train they had decided to take left early in the afternoon, and they were busy with their preparations until almost the last moment; then they bade the young girls a hasty good-by and left them on the deck, where the captain presently rejoined them, after seeing the departing ones safely on the train and watching it for a moment as it sped rapidly on its way. "And they are off, are they, father? Well, I hope they will all enjoy themselves greatly, but I am glad we are left here with you," Lucilla said as he rejoined their little group. "Yes, I saw them off. I hope their visit will prove very enjoyable to them all, and that our stay here will be equally enjoyable to us."