"That is what we are all anticipating, captain," said Evelyn. "I don't know where in the world I should rather pass the next few weeks than on the _Dolphin_ with you and these dear girls for company." "That is pleasant news for us," he returned in kindly tones. "And now what can I do for your entertainment? I am ready to consider suggestions from each of you." "Don't you think we should take Eva to visit the different islands in this group, papa?" queried Grace. "Certainly; if she would like to go." "Very much indeed," said Eva; "I know I shall enjoy going any- and every-where that you may be pleased to take me, or just staying on the yacht lying in one place, if that suits the rest of you." "We will try that occasionally by way of variety," the captain said with a smile. "Shall we not do that for the rest of this day,--as it is now almost dinner time,--then start off for some other point shortly after breakfast to-morrow morning?" "Oh, yes, sir!" they all exclaimed; Grace adding, "And, papa, won't you take us to Gibraltar? It is so picturesque that I think it is worth visiting several times." "Yes, and so are some of the other islands. We will visit any or all of them as many times as you wish." "Well," said Lucilla, "with taking those little trips now and then, and having books, work,--needlework I mean,--games, and music, I think it will be strange should we find time hang heavy on our hands." "Yes, indeed," said Evelyn with a sigh of contentment; "I am not in the least afraid of any such calamity." They talked on, planning various little excursions to one and another of the islands and different points of interest upon the mainland, till summoned to their meal. "It seems a trifle lonely," Grace remarked as they took their seats about the table. "Yes," said her father, "but considering how much our absentees are probably enjoying themselves, we won't mind that for a few days." "Indeed," said Lucilla, "though I shall be glad to see them come back, I think it is really quite delightful to have papa all to ourselves for a few days." "And for papa to have these young girls all to himself, eh?" laughed the captain. "Well, I won't deny it; and I fully expect the girls to make their companionship quite delightful to me." "I think we will all do our best in that line," said Evelyn. "It would be strange indeed if we didn't, when you are so very good and kind to us." "No better, I think, than almost any other gentleman would be in my place," he returned pleasantly. "Now let me help you to some of this fowl. I hope to see you all do full justice to what is set before you." "If we don't, it will not be the fault of the fare, I am sure," said Evelyn. "Judging by the meals I have taken on board of this vessel, she must have both a good caterer and an excellent cook." "We have both," said Lucilla emphatically.