"Ah! is that because they are so much handsomer to begin with?"

"Oh, papa! please refrain from asking such hard questions!" was the
response in tones of mock entreaty; "hard because they seem to imply a
good deal of vanity in me. I was only meaning that, of course, the
bride's appearance will attract the most attention."

"Ah! was that it? Well, my child, say good-night and go; get to bed
quickly, put aside thoughts of to-morrow's gaieties, and indulge in
sleep so sound and refreshing that you will be ready to give your father
his usual companionship in his early stroll about the grounds."

"I'll do my best to follow all those directions, sir," she said with a
bright, pleased look. "Good-night, gentlemen," turning toward the
guests. "I hope you will both sleep well and find to-morrow's
festivities very enjoyable." And with that she hastened away, leaving
the three gentlemen alone upon the veranda, for Violet was seeing her
little ones to bed.

"What a rich man you are, Raymond!" remarked Keith, half unconsciously
sighing slightly as he spoke.

"You are right," returned the captain cheerily, "my wife and children
being by far the most valuable of my possessions. I only wish that you
and your friend here," glancing at Dr. Percival as he spoke, "were
equally wealthy. But you are younger men, and may hope to become as rich
as I am by the time you are my age."

"Hardly; so far as I am concerned, at least," returned Keith drily;