"No, sir, thank you," she replied. "I shall be perfectly contented to stay on the _Dolphin_ or go anywhere you and the girls wish." "I think we have seen all the points of interest about here," he said. "However, if you would like to pay a second visit to any one of them you have only to say so." Just as the captain spoke a sailor came in with the mail-bag. "Ah," said Grace, "I hope there is a letter from Mamma Vi saving that she and the rest will be here to-day or to-morrow." "Yes, so do I," said Lucilla. "We have had a lovely time while they have been away, but I shall be delighted to have them back again." "Yes," said her father, "here is a letter from her to me." Then opening and glancing over it: "They are coming back to-day, and may be expected by the train that gets into Cleveland near tea-time. I must go for them; and you, Lucilla--you and Grace--may see that everything about the cabin and staterooms is in good order for their comfort and enjoyment." "Yes, papa, we will," they answered promptly, Lucilla adding with a merry look, "We will do the work ourselves if that is your wish." "Oh, no," he said; "I only meant that you should oversee it, and make sure that nothing is left undone which would add to their comfort." "I wish we had some flowers to ornament the rooms with," said Grace. "You shall have," replied her father. "I have sent for some by the man who has gone to the city to do the marketing." "Oh, that's good!" exclaimed Lucilla. "Papa, I believe one may always trust you to think of everything." "I am not so sure of that," he said with a smile. "But it is very well for my daughters to think so." "I do, papa," said Grace. "Lu can't have any more confidence in you than I have." "Nor than I," said Evelyn. "And I am very proud of the privilege accorded me some time ago of considering you my brother, captain." "Ah? I think I am the one to feel honored by the relationship," he returned laughingly. "We will start for home pretty soon, father, won't we?" asked Grace. "I presume so; we will consult the others on that subject when they come. Are you growing homesick?" "Almost," she answered, but in a cheery tone. "I have enjoyed our outings on the Hudson and here ever so much, but ours is such a sweet home that I begin to long to see it again." "Well, dear child, I hope to be able to gratify that wish before long," he replied in kindly, affectionate tones. "I am very glad you love your home." "It is certainly worthy of her love," said Evelyn. "I don't know a more delightful place; yet it would not be half so charming without the dear people who live in it." "It certainly would not be to me without the wife and children who share it with me," said the captain. They had not left the table long when flowers were brought aboard in variety and abundance, and they had a very enjoyable time arranging them in vases, and placing those where they could be seen to the best advantage.