"Yes, I fear so."

"But we are strong and healthy."

"And I wish to keep you so," he said pleasantly; "but you may rest
assured that I shall not deny you any enjoyment I think it safe to grant
you. Now sit down and be quiet till the blessing has been asked,"--for
they had reached the dining-room, and found Violet and Max there waiting
for them.

Lulu had overheard a good deal of the glowing account of the coming
feast to which Agnes had treated Grace, and, when at liberty to speak
again, asked, in a rather discontented tone, if she and Max were not to
have any share in the good supper being prepared for the expected
guests.

Instead of answering directly, the captain turned to his son, and asked,
"Max, what do you think of this supper?"

"It's good enough for a king, sir," returned the lad heartily, glancing
over the table as he spoke,--"the nicest of bread and butter, plenty of
rich milk and cream, canned peaches and plums, and splendid gingerbread.
Why, Lu, what more could you ask?"

Lulu only blushed and hung her head in reply.

"I think it is a meal to be thankful for," remarked Violet cheerily;
"but, my dear, you will let them share in some of the lighter
refreshments provided for the guests, won't you?"