"That is right, captain," Elsie said, with a pleased smile. "She is not
strong enough yet for any such exertion, nor has she any need to make
it."

"Ah, mamma," said Violet, "are you not forgetting the lessons you used
to give us, your children, on the sin of indolence and self-indulgence?"

"No, daughter; nor those on the duty of doing all in our power for the
preservation of health as one of God's good gifts, and to be used in His
service."

They were all gathered upon the veranda now in the cool shade of the
trees and vines, for the weather was extremely warm.

"I wish we were ready to sail to-day," said Zoe. "How delicious the
sea-breeze would be!"

A nice-looking, pleasant-faced colored woman stepped from the doorway
with a little bundle in her arms, which she carried to Violet.

The captain, standing beside his wife, bent over her and the babe with a
face full of love and delight.

"Isn't she a darling?" whispered Violet, gazing down upon the tiny
creature with all a young mother's unspeakable love and pride in her
first-born, then up into her husband's face.

"That she is!" he responded; "I never saw a fairer, sweeter babe. I
should fear to risk her little life and health in a journey to Nantucket
by land; but going by sea will, I think, be more likely to do her good