they reach years of maturity."

"Putting it so, captain, it does seem that you are acting kindly by
them, though I must insist that it is hard on the lovers," Chester
returned between a smile and a sigh. "But I think you may trust your
daughter with me to-morrow without much fear that I will abuse your
confidence. And I am not at all sure that I could gain anything by
speaking. We are good friends,--she and I,--but I doubt if she cares a
cent for me any other way."

"As to that," the captain said in kindly tone and with his pleasant
smile, "I still have the happiness of believing that, as yet, her father
holds the first place in her heart. I cannot hope that it will be so
always--perhaps I ought not to wish it; but I do rejoice in the firm
conviction that such is the fact at present."

"No one can blame you for that, sir," Chester said, rising to take
leave, "but, ungenerous as it sounds, I cannot help hoping that, one of
these days, I may be able to shift your position to the second place,
taking the first myself. It sounds dreadful selfish, but fathers have to
give way to lovers and husbands if the human race is to continue. I hope
to be here in the morning, captain, a little after nine o'clock, with a
carriage, to take Miss Lu to the wharf where the boat will be lying. I
promise to take the best of care of her, to do and say nothing of which
her father would disapprove, and to bring her home safely, Providence
permitting, before dark."

"I have no doubt you will, Chester, and I trust her--one of my choice
treasures--to you with confidence in your purpose to be the faithful
guardian of her safety, and perfectly trustworthy as regards the matter