captain was empowered to engage her for their use. Also the 'Sconset
cottage he had spoken of, and one or two more, if they were to be had.

"You will command the vessel, of course, captain?" several voices said,
inquiringly, all speaking at once.

"If chosen commander by a unanimous vote," he said.

"Of course, of course; we'll be only too glad to secure your services,"
said Mr. Dinsmore, everybody else adding a word of glad assent.

"How soon do we sail, captain?" asked Zoe. "Must we wait for an answer
from Nantucket?"

"No; I shall send word by this morning's mail, to Captain Coffin, that
we will take his cottage and two others, if he can engage them for us.
But there is no time to wait for a reply."

"Can't we telegraph?" asked Violet.

"No; because there is no telegraph from the mainland to the island.

"Now, ladies all, please make your preparations as rapidly as possible.
We ought to be off by the first of next week. I can telegraph for the
yacht, and she will be ready for us, lying at anchor in our own harbor.

"But, little wife," turning to Violet, with a tenderly affectionate air,
"you are not to exert yourself in the least with shopping, sewing, or
packing. I positively forbid it," he added, with playful authority.