There was a postscript from Violet: "I am longing to see the dear children of my husband, especially poor, little sick Gracie. I am sure we shall love each other very much for his dear sake." "There now, Lu, you see she means to be kind to us," was Max's satisfied comment, as he refolded the missive and put it back into the envelope. Lulu was one who never liked to retreat from a position she had once taken. "Oh, it's easy to talk," she said, "acting's another thing. I'm not going to be caught with chaff." "See here!" said Max, showing a photograph. "Oh, what a pretty lady!" cried Gracie, holding out an eager hand for it. Max gave it to her, and Lulu sprang up and bent over her to get a good view of it also. "Who is it?" she asked. "Isn't she pretty? isn't she perfectly beautiful, and sweet-looking as she can be?" said Max, ignoring the question. "Yes, she's just lovely; but why don't you say who she is, if you know?" "She's papa's new wife, the new mamma you are determined to believe is going to be so hateful." "I'm sure she won't. She does look so sweet, I just love her already!" Gracie said. Lulu, too proud to retract, yet strongly drawn toward the possessor of so sweet and lovely a countenance as was pictured there, kept silence, gazing intently upon the photograph which Gracie still held. "Whose is it, Max?" asked the latter. "Mine I suppose, though papa doesn't say; but we'll find out when he comes." "Oh, I'm so glad, so glad he's coming soon! Aren't you, Maxie?" "I never was gladder in my life!" cried Max. "And just think how nice to go and live by the sea all summer! There'll be lots of fun boating and bathing and fishing!" "Oh, yes!" chimed in Lulu, "and papa is always so kind about taking us to places and giving us a good time." "But I can't have any!" sighed Gracie from her couch. "Yes, papa will manage it somehow," said Max; "and the sea air and plenty to eat will soon make you ever so much stronger." They chatted on for some time, growing more and more delighted with the prospect before them; then Max said he must go. He wanted to take the photograph with him, but generously yielded to Gracie's entreaties that it might be left with her till he came again. She and Lulu were still gazing upon it and talking together of the original--Max having gone--when Mrs. Scrimp came in, looking greatly vexed and perturbed. She too had received a letter from Capt. Raymond that day, telling of his marriage and his intentions in regard to his children; directing also that they and their luggage should be in waiting at a hotel near the depot of the town at the hour of a certain day of the coming week when he and his bride expected to arrive by a train from the West. There would be a two hours' detention there while they waited for the train that was to carry them to their final destination, which would allow time for an interview between the captain and herself.